At 64 now you might not feel it as much but I can tell you my mom going from 60's into her 70's now there is a huge difference in your ability to function and what you can and can't do.Now is a good time to invest before the cycle fully recovers to put a plan in place.You would need about a 30% return annually on your money to not touch the original 250k.

Temp last nigh was ZERO, set a record for the coldest Feb 16 in history.Have 3 subdivisions going and even have a showing on weekend, even though there will still be snow on ground, but it will be a heat wave getting up to 30.

The realtors info provided to me was "annual expenses on the property are 6870 dollars which includes grass cutting, snow removal, gas, water, electric, trash removal, septic maintenence, applicance updates, lighting, painting, repairs, etc.

@Jeremy WilliamsWe've got a bunch of leave that need raking before the snow arrives next week ... interested :-P

From the Governments perspective, they love HOA's because they gain all the property tax revenue but don't have to concern about the maintenance and snow removal so I suspect builders get faster easier approval etc.

However, if I can pyramid, reach a goal and start paying off properties by snow balling, I could achieve the level of financial freedom I desire.I am taking your wisdom to heart and will make that snow ball happen as quickly as possible.

They all rent for about 1000/month.My monthly PITI is 2800.00I add in my snow, building electric, oil on two of the units ($1200), water/sewer ($1200) etc and I come to a yearly expenses of 37,000.It will earn 48,000 in rent plus about 1500 in washer/dryer fees.So I have a cash flow of 12,500.

Ps The creative buyer's agent I had found, i had established a working relationship with him and ended up purchasing many more properties with his help, so he was getting a good amount of  money each month, even during snow season, when the other agents were starving.

Furnace check, change filter, A/C checked, gutters cleaned, snow removal, etc. 

No, Heck No, and "I will when it snows in Cancun" No.If anything, they owe ME a gift, especially the one who has been renting for $500 to $800 under market, per month, for 20 years.