Quit your job or retire early? I'd love to hear your story!

[Robert Johnston]

Hello Everyone.  I'm relatively new to BP, but have been reading and researching non-stop since accidentally becoming a landlord a little while ago.  That cash-flowing rental has fueled my inner desire to begin a buy & hold process once I am completely debt-free (soon!).   I have heard some success stories, but I'd like to know more about how people are generating enough income to quit their full-time jobs and/or retire much earlier than the norm.   How many properties do you currently have?  How did you generate enough income to do that?  If I wanted to replace the income from my 9-5 job, I'd have to buy and hold a LOT of properties and I just don't see how that's possible in a short period of time.  I'd love to hear your stories, theories, and practical applications that have let you become "free!"