Have you read The Compound Effect?

Hey @Brett Bickett - way to start thinking about this stuff early - Real Estate is all about consistant action and compounding interest, and the earlier you start the more time your investments have to compound. 

Don't underestimate the power of compounding interest - it applies to your actions too!

Even within the stock market, there were defensive stocks in which to hide. 

How much money you invest, what rate it's compounding at and how long it's growing. 

Phase 2: At traditional “retirement age,” I will have the option to take distributions from qualified assets I’ve built up over the years that will have compounded nicely over multiple decades.   

If you don't need the money now, then let compound interest work in your favor.

The main defense against bad tenants is having a solid selection process.

Their defense is they couldn't see it on inspection (although... they actually didn't do a home inspection), so there's no way they could have known.

Be that job defense, hunting, or just plinking cans at a range for fun.