Ultimately, my goal is to not have my wife and I work a typical job until we're 65.Does this strategy make sense?

If so, please do tellThat is the ultimate question.

Many sellers understand the benefits of working with wholesalers and may appreciate your straightforward approach.How to Tell the SellerWhen talking to the seller, explain that you’re a wholesaler and that your goal is to find a buyer who will ultimately purchase the property.

Ultimately you have to decide what makes the most sense for you and your family.  

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

People have mixed opinions on this, but in one market I invest in, I researched and interviewed dozens of companies and went through 3 before ultimately confirming that there really was nothing which would suit my needs. 

Ultimately we are all on the same team - trying to get a home sold for the best possible price.

Here's homework - write down 5 ways that debt is positive and can help you.Having a free-and-clear investment property is not even always considered a great thing because it can attract the sharks, lawyers who see it as a huge dollar sign.... better to keep it mortgaged so it doesn't look so attractive.So yes you could look at it as shuffling around numbers, but your ultimate goal (as you stated) is to live off of your investment properties.

Here are a few I recommend: "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" by Roberto Kiyosaki; "Set for Life" by Scott Trench; "The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing" by Spencer; "The BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide" found here on BP; "The Book on Rental Property Investing" by Brandon Tuner.

Ultimately, the choice hinges on financial situation, available time, and interest in gaining management experience.