I also could take a $50,000 loan from my 401k if I was in a pinch. 

Sure, at some point we'll start to feel the margin pinch - but I think we've got a long way to go, especially because legislators are struggling on how to deal with the sharing economy.

NREIG has became expensive but still a resource if in a pinch for the time being. 

I would save budget and pinch pennies to go solo on them all.

That can bust the tank or pinch drainage field pipes.

However the oil industry is in a major downturn currently (as I'm sure you are aware) and that entire area is feeling the pinch.

that has to pinch these folks hard. 

Paying slightly above average means I have a few on call in a pinch.

I'd want a backup exit strategy if you get pinch and don't sell the property.

There are some areas maybe within an hour or so from where I live where they could probably cash flow nicely but I'm mostly looking at out of state opportunities in more standard cash flow areas like memphis, etc.I can see how some people would feel comfortable knowing that in a pinch they could go by the property, but honestly if I have to drive an hour away to look at something, then it's really not the kind of investment I want anyways.