I have worked for about 25 years in retail sales/customer service and hospitality.

I personally have belonged to churches that rented space in retail space and other commercial space, as well as traditional buildings.

Thanks for this Andrew.Yeah, I've been seeing the headlines but have a feeling that's more the media looking for some drama to write on...I've been doing my own research, I've heard directly from several STR investors here on BP (who most have said they aren't seeing any of these massive drops that the media is reporting, only that they're seeing more last-minute bookings, where before they were booked out 30 days+...who knows if that's just the sign of less bookings coming??)

I backed out when I was able to buy a fully functional 20 unit for 35 dollars a ft.I think you have to build a a massive amount of units (100 or more?) 

I've been listing to a man that owns over 4,000 apartment units and I tend to believe what he says and he thinks that apartments is only the good way to go and not to make investments on only other retail, office, or hotel business right now because most retail will continue going down versus on-line shopping with few exceptions and one of them is to acquire retail or office buildings in a high demand area and is in the path of growth and a good economy with diversity, population growth, and job growth and must positive cash flow on day 1.  

You need to get out of retail. 

FHA loan is not a competitive offer, so I changed my goals for my first property to try and find something a bit more towards the retail end where at least theoretically I would have just a bit of cash flow.

I'm looking at a package of 3 "class A" mixed-use properties with 14 doors total (13 apartments, 1 retail).

Massive amounts of builder activity has kept inventory strong, and indeed there is still plenty of empty space to grow.The market now is the hottest it's been since before the Recession.

I really appreciate it and big kudos on your massive action.