Goal would be to acquire 20 rentals by the age of retirement, with some already starting to be paid off.I am in the same boat as you, and I focus on safe appreciation all day (small cash flow for safety and then focused on markets on that appreciate). 

@David OvercashRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Why is Property Class so important for investors to understand and apply in their investing strategies?

When an investor gets over 4-5 in a market then we normally talk about diversifying into a different market. 

We've used LLCs by going to sunbiz.org, setting up the LLC, and then heading over to IRS.gov to get the EIN (Tax ID) number.

And then you have lace village going up.

And then monthly by check or if you don’t trust them certified funds or EFT. 

They will likely require you obtain your real estate license, but since you are open to pursuing further education then it might work well.

I want to earn my clients business and if for some reason they decide the relationship isn't working then they should walk away (but don't leave your agent high and dry haha).Commission is completely negotiable.

Before the 1% "rule" there was the 2% "rule" that then got reduced as the market changed.

Some agents it is not worth their time to do less then x amount.