How to plan for retirement as a single dad

[Rod Bartruff]

 I am new to the group and hoping to enter the multi-family side of investing.  I am 46 and have been self-employed my entire working life, with no investments or retirement. So I am thinking about working to acquire 20+ rentals over time for my retirement. I don't want single-family, but see single buildings with 20 units in Florida running $2.5 million plus. I think the best route is to start with duplex units. I would love to also buy land and build duplexes in the future.

Income:

I make $100K a year in my semi-passive digital business. (5 hours a week of work)  I am setting up a second business (service industry) and expect to make $150K plus next year.  I currently have $50k in cash and can save more. Being self-employed my CPA does everything to maximize deductions so my Taxes do not show my true income. But my personal bank account shows $100k in direct deposits.

Credit:

My wife suddenly passed away 7 years ago and I became a single parent overnight. That life event ruined my credit. But once I got my head clear and focused on my business and paying off debt I have been able to repair my credit. (started rebuilding 3 years ago) I now have a 650 Fico 8 and early next year 3 charge-offs will age off.  I stopped buying stuff I don't need and am paying off my credit card debt this month (80% usage). So I am hoping my score will reach 700 early next year.

Background:

In my mid 20's I ran a crew doing rehabs for investors. So I have no issue doing my own work on any property I purchase.

Any advice good or bad is appreciated.