These were immediate targets of opportunity that were tied to family (low-hanging fruit). 

But now I’m reaching a point where I want to splurge a little.For those who live frugally - at what point, if ever, did you start enjoying more of the fruits of your labor?

You can find some deals on the market, but they are definitely the lowest hanging fruit and always attract a lot of attention.

Flips are certainly very viable here due to the great resale market, but there just isn't much juice to get stabilized cash flow most of the time.   

I put this stuff in the plastic bags I use for my fruits to create the trash bag I put in the dumpster.

I want to enjoy the fruits of my labor now and don't want to wait for 35yrs

Stories like yours keep my motivational juices flowing.

All in all, negative experience; although, I did learn a lot and gained a few hundred thousand skymiles :)Overall, as someone who desired a very hands-off approach, I did not find the flip process and its juice to be worth the squeeze.

  :)Have a wonderfully productive and fruitful day.  

ROI should not only be about money, but also work and fruits of said work's labor!