The other one is not in California, quit W2 at age 37 scaled from 2014 to 2021 with 5 duplexes, quit W2 during COVID, lives a frugal lifestyle and benefitted from the huge increase in property values and low interest rates. 

Personal background: Married with no kids, 100% debt free, live a rather tame lifestyle and don't spend large amounts of money, two newer vehicles (2020 & 2024) so no vehicle purchases expected for the next 10 years. 

Lifestyle addition, B. 

Oh, they are all out there right now on the “training / membership” circuit trying to sell you on a lifestyle or an investment strategy.

Also consider your lifestyle and if you want to be traveling 3 days just to check to see if a water heater is installed correctly and your property manager is looking after your property.

Prioritize quality locations.Keep healthy amount of reserves per property, hire a PM, and hire a tax friendly CPA(not planning just prep). 

@Joe S.Agree lifestyle creep is very real!  

I don't follow that type of lifestyle and I stay away from people that gloss over it.

These require a minimum of $300-$335k cash to cover the downpayment, closing costs, and having a healthy budget for professional design/amenities.Tier 2 range in price but most fall between $530k-$650k.  

@Radhika S.Chose a market that will fit your budget but also your lifestyle.