What would you do? First ever post

[Francis Branagan]

I'm looking to act upon my long time interest and goals of real estate investing. I just turned 23 and I bought my first home a year ago with 25% down. I like my home and plan to stay here for quite a while. Between what I had saved and can still save I will have around 120k and very good credit to start with. My goal is more of a buy and hold strategy, I currently am in construction field that i love but because of the long hours and harshness on my body I would like to start cutting back or be out completely in around 10 to 15 years. While working I won't really rely on my profit from rentals instead I want to keep rolling it into more properties or possibly income if work were to slow down for times.

The properties are in a blue collar more of a low income town that I grew up in and still live near. The homes I'm looking into are 40-85k (tris and quads usually 150to 250) with property taxes (south jersey) around 300 a month, rent 750 -1000. Some of the homes in this area are all cash homes especially the really good deals.

I was thinking about financing 2 with 25% then possibly buy one cash if it begins to grt tough to find loans. I will also use a proven property manager I know who charges 10% rent and first months rent with a new tenant. (He handles leases, court appearances, eviction, matinence, etc.)

I'm looking for advice, past experience, or what you would do differently. How many would you expect to have in 5, 10, and 15 years? What would you do or did to obtain this many houses? Should I pay off my home? Would you avoid gov section 8 housing? 

Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.