I hate my job and want to quit ASAP. How fast can I acquire properties as a newbie?

[Alex Silang]

I hate my job and want to quit ASAP. I'd like to leave next year after bonuses (Feb 2015). I am going to be a buy and hold investor using a management company. I have a nice pile of cash saved up to invest.

I'm a total newbie when it comes to RE though.

One thing I am worried about is acquiring too fast. Mistakes are unavoidable but I do not want to make them because I am too hasteful. I am a fairly prudent person (especially when it comes to finances). If it takes multiple years that is fine but I want to leave as soon as possible.

What speed can I acquire at? I've read about people acquiring 3 houses in their first year, but I don't know if that is too fast.

I understand this question is similar to "how long is a piece of string?" but what sort of things should I be considering? I have run the numbers on paper on the area I am considering and the cashflow is superb. Paper means nothing but this does mean I have a nice structural "margin of safety".

Thanks!