I help people get started all the time and before I do, I like to have a phone conversation with them and talk to them about goals and also bumps in the road that they can expect.There's two important numbers I need to get out of them before I can start talking to them about a path to scalability - which in the end is everyone's goal. 

They're just not as scalable.

I like that first option also, as I would theoretically like the passive, "hands-off" approach but also want the scalable equity that comes along with that option.

One rental is okay, but it just isn't scalable beyond that.* Consistent results week after week.

I'm still trying to nail down an overall strategy that leads down the FI road, addressing key questions of cashflow, equity, scalability while reflecting my current savings and recurring earnings. 

Syndications are more scalable.

What people don't get is this affords me more time and energy to scale, to dig up the next great property, and it affords the hosting partner more scalability in their side of things as their up-front costs are mitigated greatly.

Who told you that is the only model that will allow good cash flow and scalability?

I disagree with the right strategy they will with a scalable model and far less stress you can delegate to a reliable pm.  

You don't want to be this person.Here are 2 items I've seen that limit the scalability and/or timing of your plan.First, life happens to most people.