The overpowering scenes of entitlement that our society now has is fuel on the fire.

Fear is such a prominent theme in our society... not normally the best advisor though...that said, I'd be interested to hear peoples thoughts about the impact of negative interest rates - It's a little early to see the impact of this on countries such as Japan, Denmark, Sweeden and Switzerland, but i could see this completely unprecedented move shaking up the global economy and creating some significant instability.

But I decided that it would help me feel less stressed out personally...and it will be freeing up an additional $1500 per month - which if you figure - COC ROI = 20%.  

I think you're stressing your brother out over what probably is nothing Joshua D. . 

You have to be wired a certain way to be a (mostly) stress free landlord, but even more so when working in more sketchy neighborhoods.I hope to one day graduate to more properties in better C and B neighborhoods (and look forward to more appreciation) but next year I hope to buy another three or four of these low income properties.  

Some people hate debt and if it's going to really stress you out pay cash for it. 

Didn't have a financial set back but had lots of emotional stress all learning.  

Maintain at least 6-month of cash reserves to cover expenses and review your insurance liability coverage to confirm you are adequately covered from a liability risk event.Just like the Federal Bank stress tests that gauged how well prepared the large US banks were to another recession/depression.  

While its a statistical fact that many more people died around or just after the holiday season (stress from family dynamics, lifestyle, drinking and eating habits) this does not correlate to a "probate season". 

Its a lot of work and stress but cash flows a nice income.