So imagine I have a generic property in a vacuum that I could finance in one of three ways (approximately):30 yr loan => +$1000 cash flow per year20 yr loan => Basically break even on cash flow15 yr loan => negative $2000 cash flow per year(all would be 20% down)So I'm not a big time real estate investor that's always doing deals....I'm looking to own a small handful (1 to ~3) of properties to build long term wealth and generate some income to fund a potential early retirement in early 50's (maybe) and bridge the gap until I can tap into my 401k and IRA at 59.5 yrs old.

I tend to dream bigger dreams than what selling make-up or vacuum cleaners might offer, and with things like that being so popular, I don't see the point in it for me (everyone I know is a dealer of sorts so why should I become one too if I would have no one to sell to lol).

The only reason I was able to avoid it was that I had a high paying job as an airline pilot and a partner to talk things through with when it was all hitting the fan.

Account Closed for anything I have with common areas my property manager sends a cleaner out every week or two to dust/vacuum/whatever is needed.

We operate on smaller margins (Southwest Airlines Model), but have lower Vacancy, maintenance and no management costs (self manage). 

Keeps one active and engaged.Its not like being an Airline pilot and at 60 you no longer can work. ( well they changed that to 65) and or an air traffic controller who has to retire at 50..I have know a few in RE to retire but I know many more that worked until they could not anymore ..I always tell anyone who will listen and that is not a large group..

We have done very well following the Southwest airlines model.

What follows is a gross generalization/simplification but if a comp sale doesn't contain details of the income and expense data used to calculate NOI then it really shouldn't be considered as valid as it is a number in a vacuum. 

Also, maintenance costs will have to be factored in - if you live in Bakersfield but own a beach condo in Hawaii, you are going to have to get a house cleaner to clean up after the previous tenants: take the trash out, vacuum, wash the bed sheets, and just make sure the place is clean in general.  

Suck it out like a vacuum!