"What is the One thing that you can do right now, such that by doing it everything else would be easier or unnecessary?"

If you stop and think about the disasters caused by doctors actually prescribing unneeded drugs or performing unnecessary surgeries, you'll realize they're taking no risks. 

Generally though, I break it down into the "five pillars" of protecting your assets.The first pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments(maintain your property, etc) - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.

Generally though, I break it down into the "five pillars" of protecting your assets.The first pillar is avoiding unnecessary and risky activities (don't drink and drive, insurance generally won’t cover your poor decisions) and take good care of your investments(maintain your property, etc) - these simple steps will help you prevent lawsuits before they even occur.

It's always amusing to me that many of the same folks on this forum that routinely trash property managers as completely unnecessary, are simultaneously pumping that they are worth 6 or 7 percent of the sales price for their own expertise.  

Rents are trickling in for May, despite the courts being closed, despite the governor's well-publicized, completely unnecessary proclamation encouraging not to pay rent for 3 months. 

A lot of times permits add a lot of unnecessary cost with architectural drawings.

tch about our recent "unnecessary, greedy" $25/month rent increase because he just bought a truck he couldn't afford.

Having said that, when dealing with customers or sub contractors that I have a relationship with, these distributions are unnecessary.  

Oh, and you CAN control your spending & lifestyle....though this one is often the most painful for brokers & investors who were used to living far above the bare minimums.Practical steps to get lean & mean: Cut ALL unnecessary expenses.