But, given our shallow track record with employment (haven't worked since November last year as we've been backpacking) it seems impossible to get any financing.

I was finishing up a 6 month backpacking trip through Southeast Asia when it hit me one day, "what am I waiting for??"

I do consider timing, for example: It's more important that our cash flow be higher for the next 5-8 years because of our teen daughter's education, maybe settling down, and more traditional (expensive) family travel vs. my wife and I "backpacking across Europe" type of travel. 

My wife and I both graduated from Texas A&M University in 2016 and moved to Houston after taking a 6 week backpacking trip across Europe. 

I choose to camp/backpack a lot.  2 years ago I was on pace for over 60 days camping but tore a bicep on one backpack trip so only ended with 52 days. 

(It doesn't have to be the stereotypical Cancun/whatever, but what if you want to go backpacking through Patagonia, Thailand or Australia?)

Just purchse one of the back pack plastic garden sprayers and really soak the roof.I am assuming firbrglass/asphalt shingles not wood shingles.There is also a zinc product that works well and if you are installing a new roof you can purchase zinc strips that are installed beneath the cap shingles with a small 1/2 inch band showing it will keep the black stains from starting.

Bed bugs hitch a ride on baggage, backpacks, on items in gym lockers - lots of public places.

I am in Ojai a lot to hike, backpack and mountain bike.

One immediately drops and opens his backpack, takes out a pair of light running shoes, and tosses his backpack away.