Maybe it is the world of instant gratification that we now live in, or maybe it is just plain old greed, but either way it is NOT the correct way to run a business.

It's just a long-term strategy and involves some delayed gratification if you pair against  the insta-projected-cash-return of a turnkey property.Yup, and that "different math" may not necessarily be ALL in their favor ... some of the math may work better for you than it does for them (though honestly it mostly works in favor of experience with scale) ... you can seek out deals that require more legwork than they are willing or able to put in, or are too small dollar wise to attract the big investors.

Maybe this article on the biggest key to financial freedom will help (it's the ability to delay gratification fyi): https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/06/1...And the article I wrote on all the benefits of buy and hold real estate, especially as your wealth starts to grow exponentially, may help: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/05/1....That being said, you don't want to live like hermits in a broken down shack.

The actual sacrifice would have been limiting my future for some immediate gratification... 

I'd say you and your family are the king/queen of delayed gratification.

It's the balance of delayed gratification vs. current quality of life. 

Credit, criminal, sexual offender list.  

This is the DE wording in 4603(b)(3), the Delaware Fair Housing Act: (3) To make, print or publish, or cause to be made, printed or published any notice, statement or advertisement, with respect to the sale or rental of a dwelling that indicates any preference, limitation or discrimination based on race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, marital status, familial status, source of income, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or disability, or an intention to make any such preference, limitation or discrimination.

A good percentage of Americans don't have the necessary discipline to delay instant gratification and make smart financial decisions, so giving these people more money wouldn't accomplish much.4.

Your post tells me that you are well on your way because you are able to delay gratification, set goals, and patiently pursue strong financial positions. 15 yr loans will always cost you more monthly but less overall.