The reality is it didn't cost you anything.

You are on the right path, keep pushing and you will make your goals a reality. 

The reality is, that 18k is not a lot to get started in real estate.

The best thing to do is to be ready for recessions and be able to weather the storm.By my estimation the current yield curve inversion is more an indicator that the market doesn't believe the Fed will stick to the rate hikes, which is not exactly the same as seeing a recession coming.There are perma-bears out there who claim to be able to predict recessions, but in reality they're always calling for a recession 'right around the corner.'

The busy-body actions make people think they're doing a bunch of clever stuff and getting things done but in reality not so much. 

just whatever a contractor says how long it will take, double it, and add 20% to the cost. should get your closer to reality. 

I'm not trying to dissuade you, but that's the reality of this current market.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

The reality is 90%+ of the work you see done almost everywhere is done without the permits that are required.

So far everyone keeps telling you that and you don't seem to want to accept that reality.