I want this to be a vehicle for my wife and I to gain financial freedom and grow a portfolio to support the lifestyle we want when I retire. 

What matters is what best meets your goals and lifestyle.6.

It's about creating a reliable income stream that sustains your lifestyle indefinitely.

Our lifestyle is "cheapskate" and thus we don't need that much to live on.

To get pre-approved for a loan, speak with a mortgage lender, research neighborhoods that fit your budget and lifestyle preferences, and consult with a real estate agent.Good luck!

If I were forced to pick, I would suggest focusing on Austin due to its tech-driven growth and lifestyle appeal.

Your focus on multifamily units, commercial properties, and that coastal lifestyle really hits home.

How many home owners do you think do the same and not using their HELOCs to pay their bills or to maintain lifestyle that is suddenly out of reach due to crazy inflation we saw in the past 3 years?

Look for opportunities to increase your income, like a higher-paying job, a side hustle, a new business venture, a new real estate investment, or something else.Avoid lifestyle inflation: As your income increases, you may be tempted to upgrade your lifestyle, but not everything you buy will increase your net worth.

I am religious about checking and maintenance on the decks, stairs and railings just so I don't have a guest issue.