New Member from So-Cal looking to create my own retirement

[Richard Noe]

My name is Richard Noe and I am 28 years old, married-no kids, working as an RN for 2 hospitals. Currently live in southern California- IE. 

My goals for this website are to gain knowledge and advice from people who are already doing what I want to do and could point me in the right direction. I want to own outright 10 rental properties in 10 years each with at least $1000 free and clear rent income. This will allow me the FREEDOM to do what I really want to do in life-travel. I followed the old montra of go to school- get a job- contribute to your 401 and pray for a solid retirement, I can't do that though. I don't want to rely on anyone but myself for my retirement and I frankly don't trust those types of retirements. 

I am in a very fortunate situation right now and I know that if I am going to start investing now is the time. I make considerably good money at my "job" and am currently living in my grandparents back house which is practically rent free. This allows me to save considerable amounts of money that other wise would go to rent/mortgage. I am all open for suggestions.

The goal is not to stop working for me- I enjoy what I do too much. The goal is to work on my terms-going to work because I want to not because I have to.