Do your best to build cash reserves as a safety net. 

If you're one of the millions of Americans, not just DR fans, who have drank the koolaid of the financial services industry and invested into the "safety" of mutual funds, I apologize, I don't relish being the bearer of bad news.

Jim and Dudes plumbing and heating prioritized my project due to long term relationship.

But if we tried to do that right now, in Sacramento, we would have almost no cash leftover and safety would probably be a concern for the types of neighborhoods we could live in, lol.

yeah, sure a niche here or there might provide some safety, but when the major trend is down, fighting it is a losing battle!

Of course, I have to have names of the people I am meeting at an apartment, for safety reasons.  

Your friend's timing is not very good IMO.3) buy with a margin of safety.

Which do you value most, growth or safety?

I presume we will not spoil our son and he will learn our frugal ways too, but I do want to prioritize good family experiences with him, so we will see.

We have to do safety smoke alarm testing anyway, so this is a great way to get into each room of the house.