Dan J. Harkey

Master Educator | Business & Finance Consultant | Mentor

California Economy

"Onerous Laws & Regulations” and “Unintended Consequences” are the State’s Most Reliable Output.

A reality-based look at housing, lending, regulations, and the consequences nobody expected, nor budgeted for.

California isn’t just an economy—it’s a live experiment in what happens when ambition meets regulation, and regulation meets… more regulation. I break down what’s really driving outcomes in housing, insurance, construction, and credit—tracking the intended and unintended consequences all the way to NOI, DSCR, and deal viability. Humor included, because if you don’t laugh at policy irrational logic, you’ll end up crying into your escrow impound account.

Search Results

Radicalization: At what point in society does violence send the country into civil war

That’s a profound and complex question, and there is no single threshold; it’s usually a convergence of factors that pushes a society from radicalization into civil conflict.

AB 3108: Expands Criminal Liability for Real Estate and Mortgage Brokers

Political Economy of Dependency: How Governments Benefit from Keeping People Poor- Part II

Dependency, driven by incentives in political institutions and program design, is a central social policy concern that policymakers and researchers must understand to address reliance and promote autonomy effectively.

Who Makes Money by Keeping People Poor, ignorant, and dependent: Part I

That’s a big, systemic question. Rather than a single villain, there’s a set of business models that reliably profit when people have less money, possess less information, and have fewer options. Below is a concise, evidence-based map of who benefits, how the mechanics work, and what countermeasures help.

Food Products with Natural Ingredients vs. Synthetic Additives- Quick Read

In today’s grocery aisles, consumers are bombarded with labels like “natural,” “organic,” “clean,” and “non-GMO.” These terms often suggest health and purity, but what do they really mean? Understanding the difference between natural ingredients and synthetic substances is essential for making informed choices.

Functional Illiteracy vs. Criminal Behavior: Part IV

Functional illiteracy is generally considered equivalent to low literacy. These terms are often used interchangeably to describe individuals who can read introductory texts but struggle to apply these skills effectively in everyday, practical situations.

Food Products with Natural Ingredients—and How Big Brands Are Changing

Consumers today are demanding transparency and simplicity in their food, which helps foster trust and confidence. Emphasizing this connection can reassure the audience about the industry’s direction and their role in supporting honest practices.

Commercial Loan Structures & Strategies: Guide for Income Property Investors (2026 Edition)

Influential People and Bailouts by the Government:

A Century of Focused Intervention Protecting the Rich and Powerful, and Its Consequences

Bail-ins vs Bailouts: Two Paths to Crisis Resolution in Banking

More of the same; The rich people take significant risks- if anything goes wrong, the government borrows money out of thin air and fixes the problem. The ordinary taxpayers are left on the hook for losses. There has never been a greater moral hazard dividing the rich from the ordinary people.

Why do so many people in America find it profitable and comfortable to stay in sustained poverty?

There are several reasons why some individuals in America find it profitable or comfortable to remain in sustained poverty, even though it seems counterintuitive. These reasons are rooted in structural incentives, psychological factors, and systemic barriers:

The Underground Economy in the United States:

Scope, Causes, Impacts, and Policy Solutions

Influential People and Bailouts by the Government:

A Century of Focused Intervention on the Rich and Powerful, and Its Consequences

The Speed of Change Is Accelerating: Normal is Not In The Equation

Are we ready, and willing participants or laggards?

Constructive Fraud-Technical Read

Constructive Fraud is a legal concept that applies when a fiduciary relationship exists and the fiduciary breaches duties in a way that misleads or harms the principal, even if there was no intent to deceive. Getting tagged by some ideological zealot judge is easier than you think. The successful businessperson is always suspected, while the consumer is often overlooked or forgiven for their actions, such as a defaulted real estate loan.

AB-3108 – Allegation of Criminal Misconduct by Broker or Agent - Technical Review

Does AB 3108’s expansion of criminal liability for real estate and mortgage brokers create constitutional and practical concerns, including potential overreach into protected speech and increased litigation risk?

Deeds of Trust: Structure, Roles, and Property Interests Explained

Foreclosure Procedure Under a Deed of Trust in California

California uses non-judicial foreclosure for deeds of trust, which is faster and less costly than judicial foreclosure.

Squatters’ Rights in California:

The Law, Myths, Case Studies, and Practical Defenses

“Mary” Isn’t Merry Anymore: AI-Driven Nuisances