Their idea of retirement planning is being forced out by HR, then working part time at some menial JOB to supplement SS & just hope to survive.

I would like to slowly build up an invantory of rental properties that could supplement and ultimately supplant my electrical business income.  

My wife and I joined a RE mentoring and education group in the Houston, TX about a year ago and decided to pursue SFRs as a way to supplement retirement savings/income with a view toward possibly shifting to Apartments in future.This all started 6 or 7 years ago when my brother recommended Rich Dad, Poor Dad to us.  

Maybe you just want it to be a supplemental income that will help you in retirement.

I am currently looking supplement my income and help pay off student loans through RE investment.

My short term goal after executing my initial plan is to purchase 2-3 properties per year to gain experience and supplement my income.

It'd be a great way to supplement your own income and grow in the industry.

I, personally, learn much better with hands-on training AS A SUPPLEMENT, which for me translates into taking action as I learn even though I won't know it all, heck I'll learn more BY screwing up than reading all the books in the world; but that's just me. 

It's awesome that you're both very interested in real estate and seem to have the right tools to supplement each other in this new venture. 

Besides my full-time job, I am looking to supplement my income with buy and hold properties.