Personally, I like the freedom to pay off a debt as soon as possible.

I could simply buy properties with cash from my HELOC, turn around and do cash-out-refis, pay off the HELOC, rinse and repeat---I would achieve my "freedom number" in no time, and have none of my own money in the deals!

@Bill WilliamsNew Mexico is one of about 9 states that has a Community Property right between married couples, which includes ( as I understand it), as stated previously, the home acquired prior to marriage belongs to the individual, not both of you; hence she would have the freedom to sell or mortgage that home anytime, without your consent involved.Any income earned from such a separate property belongs to the individual, but if you choose to share bank accounts and 'commingle' funds, and the house is sold, those proceeds placed into a joint account become community i.e. both of your funds.Community property is acquired by either spouse during marriage, and selling or  encumbrance requires both of your signatures.  

I am 21 years old and I am in search for my financial freedom. 

It is the fast track towards financial independence and freedom that can open up many opportunities and make your life much more fulfilling and rewarding.What I am talking about here is investing in real estate!

Long term goals to make enough for financial freedom.

Big drivers are the hospital/healthcare presence between Sentara, Eastern Va Medical School, and the children's hospital, also easy commuting to downtown Norfolk for banking and legal, AND you're a stones throw away from the largest college in the area, Old Dominion University.

Fortunately, a good financial decision can accelerate us to our financial freedom much faster. 

AND more importantly thank you for serving so my family can live in freedom!! 

Currently learning, but I look at REI to give me the freedom to do the below things...1) Be Financially free2) Be the best husband and father I can be to my future children by spending as much time with them as I can!