I have a bit of a different philosophy.

However, in looking more into Robert's philosophy and other research, his books are great for mindset and inspiration.

When we encounter operators or docs who end up exploring or wanting to own the conversation always turns to lease vs own, and generally docs and I'd say dentists are pretty savvy business people but generally get a little tunnel vision around owning the real estate.I can always get behind owning the dirt and the real estate where you operate, if you have the right mindset and intentions behind it.The basic difference of opinion and philosophy break down to the understanding that the value of the commercial real estate, that you operate out of is only valued at the cash flows of your lease on that space. 

My philosophy - 'kill it early' by identifying material problems that cannot be solved or cost too much, then walk away before spending money or your time.2.

I would never consider a property that does not give me a good clean 8% ROI annually, but my real goal is to earn 50% to 100% with my investment capital every year and that is very possible when you make that your business model and philosophy.

You see people chasing 50, 100, 200+ units and start wondering if you’re not doing enough.Ryan, I totally agree with your philosophy.

“If it’s borderline, don’t charge”This philosophy came up over and over.Reasons cited:Small deductions trigger disproportionate emotional reactionsDeposit disputes escalate faster than almost any other issueTime, stress, and legal exposure often exceed the money recoveredSeveral landlords explicitly said:Even when damage technically exists, we don’t charge if it’s close.4.

Thank you — and you nailed the exact philosophy behind it.I’ve actually turned this entire lender-grade underwriting framework into a clean, step-by-step analysis system specifically for 2–4 unit deals so investors can run their own properties through the same assumptions without guesswork.It shows:• true DSCR (bank standard)• real cash flow after reserves• and your actual maximum safe offer — not just “what looks good”I’m sharing it here for anyone who wants to stress-test their next deal properly:vincenzo45.gumroad.com/l/bktvrIt’s been a game-changer for how I screen deals. 

However what was most unusual about Bokuden was that later in life he developed the philosophy that there was more merit in avoiding conflict than there was in being victorious in a fight.

Which lines up well with the Dion McNeeley philosophy you mentioned.If you’re open to it, I’d suggest:Comparing one Chicago deal vs one new-market deal side by sideUnderwriting both with the same conservative assumptionsLetting the math (and stress level) make the decision for youHappy to connect if Memphis ever moves onto your shortlist or if you just want a sanity check on assumptions.