Why did you choose REI over other business plans?

[Gary B.]

I'm curious what made you decide to get into REI. Was it your original dream career? Did you try other businesses before becoming an investor? Did you want something "passive" that would supplement your current 8-5 job?

I've always wanted to start my own business. I keep coming back to REI. There are many things I enjoy about RE. I love looking at it, talking about it, reading about it, etc..., but I still haven't committed to it 100%. I still wonder if this is the best way to focus my time and energy or could I be more successful in another "traditional" type of business.

When you think $100 - $300 a door a month, it doesn't sound like much money on one hand, but on the other hand you have a steady monthly cash flow, hopefully an appreciating asset, tax benefits, etc...

I guess my question is, for the people that fully committed themselves to investing in real estate, what made you choose this path over another?