NE Ohio/Stark Co Newbie

[Matt Kauffman]

Hi, My name is Matt Kauffman and I live in the Jackson area of Stark Co. I've been reading books, listening to books, reading blogs and generally absorbing everything I can over the last 3 months on REI. I've contacted an attorney, trying to find an accountant, have a buddy selling RE but am looking for more contacts there, and I could really use an adviser to help me along. I currently work in a sales job that is very flexible on time. I have about $40k in the bank for starting out. However we have 4 kids and need to move as well. So originally that was to be my down payment money for our next residence. So now I'm trying to figure out how to work both plans at the same time with the same money. I want to buy and hold rental properties, starting small with 2-4 unit buildings. We live well below our means and so I can save a pretty good chunk of change every year towards new opportunities. However I'd like to not have to use my own money eventually. My goal is to own enough properties (likely apartment bldgs) that I can quit my job in 10 years or sooner. I don't want to be a property manager. I'll take all the help I can get. Thanks.