And weathered the last recession amazingly well.  

@Wes BlackwellThat is a very interesting point that you made on population density, that never occured to me....LolWhile I am not entirely sold on only 3 sales, I got caught up in a big snow storm coming back from Tahoe on Wednesday, and I am now having 2nd thoughts about the area just simply because the weather....

Once you have developed enough success you could play with the new concepts when you have enough resources to weather the risks.

I 100% think so,  it is nothing unusual, unreasonable ...weather an assistant, bird dogging, someone giving repair estimate, etc, weather paying them salary, or commission in the deal, ...even I too, want to hire someone to help me to be involved in an online auction process, and pay them at closing, ...Even Josh mentions here in this vid to strategize the purchase process with another, in different ways...https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Ultimately, I would like to buy and hold but not every good deal fits a good buy and hold criteria (unless you are playing the 10-30 year game like you mentioned and you can weather any downswings). 

Robert, MO has experienced some insane weather which has caused some significant roof damage, it feels like death by 1,000 cuts, as none of the repairs were ever more than the insurance deductible.

I can't tell if I'm not getting good applicants because of the time of year/weather, or the apartment itself.

I live in Southern California and the weather is great, but the cost of living isn't.

I'm sorry that you think that people are being harsh, but I believe that it is often necessary.

Times are tough and this post may sound harsh, but I speaketh the truth...There is no magic here.