I just closed on a Fourplex 4 unit in Indiana for a guy in CA who paid $355K.

Don't see that as a barrier to quit a job you hate!

Knowing Pace, he probably doesn't even know about that guy and doesn't care.

How would you guys deal with this?

But I had a guy back in 2010 or 11 ask a question about selling a house at a loss of about 40k or keeping it even though the rental income was barely breaking even if not losing a couple hundred per month. 

Have you tried calling some of the local roofing companies and saying hey I don't want to replace the roof right now, what can you guys do for me? 

Greetings. I’m preparing for my retirement by becoming an a real estate investor. I’ve purchased land that I plan to build duplexes on. I sure could use some guidance along the way.

This is how its done.As a rental rehabber (for my own portfolio) I just need; a decent handyman who can do simple electtrical fixtures, plumbing fixtures, fix leaks etc, an HVAC if I plan on replacing the system, a roofer if I need a roof (rarely), a painter, and a lawn guy to clean up the lawn.   

Start with house hacking you are in the perfect position to do that and then no matter what you do with REI (even if you hate it and you quit) you'll be better off financially than your peers because you made this decision.

Some hate the idea.