Then I got lucky to marry someone like minded (and I recall the Millionaire Next Door (great book) also found that having a good "defense" or saving money was a key, common theme of the high net worth accumulators of wealth in the US)...Back to the question, I saved some money, but then I did not just bury it in the back yard (where you actually lose money due to inflation, or even put it in a savings account which also loses money relative to inflation), but I read Peter Lynch, Warren Buffett, John Bogle and put what little I saved (and we saved post marriage) into quality stocks and index funds...

The venue of last meeting was perfect and "Haunted House" theme seems perfect!

I can't say that I have advice for you from any place of experience because I'm just starting in real estate as well but sacrifice and patience seem to be a common theme amongst those who have been successful.

There seems to be a common theme in any industry where experience is required but no one wants to give you a shot to get that initial experience.

Its a common issue we run into a lot where a client got a bunch of money from a relative before speaking to us about how to properly source it, or maybe they just got married and deposited all of their wedding money, or maybe they sold their car for cash to a buddy and did it all under the table so they dont pay any taxes on it, etc. 

More importantly you HAVE to do extensive theming throughout the house.

I'm closing on my first sub to deal this Wed from reireply marketing to a 30-60-90 list. 

Not losing your spot on the compound curve, or put another way, letting your money work in 2 places at once is a central theme with this vehicle. 

I'll reiterate the "it depends on your goals" theme.

This was 6 days before our wedding.