This is a rather simple procedure for gathering more capital over a modest horizon and later converting it to cash to index and live the lifestyle desired.  

Or do you have to show sufficient positive annual cash flow (such as to support your lifestyle and show you won't be a burden on society)?  

There is an army of people out there who have hid under the blanket of RC for years if not decades, just living their lives, believing the could afford a better life style then their salaries actual command.

I had started listening to the Survival Podcast to learn about the homesteading lifestyle.

On the growth of your operation...Probably much depends on your circumstances and lifestyle..of course, you get economy of scale with multiple units in one structure (one mortgage, one insurance bill, tax bill, one roof, one lawn, one parking lot/driveway, etc), so a fourplex  gives you even more scale than the duplex (or your question may even be about 5 plus units)..

I listen to lifestyles unlimited in addition to BP.

My goal is to build a stream of passive income over next 7-10 years which can sustain my current lifestyle (10+ rental units).Primary residence:We have out grown our starter home and looking for a bigger home (4 bed or so).

First, cost of living in your area comes into play, what is really required for the family size to get by or to live comfortably or at a more affluent life style.   

Also, if you're coming into RE with a particular lifestyle in mind, then think of that goal and try to work backwards from there on what RE career would enable you to live that life.I found my niche simply by trying to meet my own needs throughout my career.

It is also important to remember you are not merely a landlord - I like to think of ourselves as being a housing service provider - perhaps bordering on lifestyle service provider with our student rentals.