Jim, Active Military in Vancouver, WA, trying new things!

[James R. Copeland]

Hey, I'm Jim. Currently own 2 houses (Not free and clear, I wish) in Vancouver, WA, once of which is leased out for a profit of around $600 per month net. It's working, it's nice, but when I hear people on these podcasts and forums talking about taking $50k and somehow magically owning 20 units one or two years later I'm absolutely baffled! 

I'm trying to learn more about real estate and get more into this, as is my wife. I'm endlessly fascinated with real estate as my investments have grown more in about 6 years than my 12 years in the stock market by FAR. That said, I've never sold a house, and have only done some basic cosmetic fixes on my rental before showing it so my experience in the renovation world is slim at best. 

I don't even know where to begin, except to say I've got around $40k liquid ready to rock and roll, and six figures in equity between my two places. I'm set to retire in 2024, but would absolutely love to be financially independent well before then if possible. Any thoughts, tips, or resources you can share to help me get the ball rolling would be very welcome. Thank you!

Very Respectfully,

Jim from Vancouver, WA