You can also try the travelling nurses route, a lot of them are looking for low cost housing when in town. 

If you go this route, consider properties in higher cash-flow markets like the Midwest or Southeast.

Is becoming a real estate agent the right route?

One thing I would mention is if you go the DST route, speak to an Investment Advisor and a Broker/Dealer.

I am from Boston, and am happy to put you in touch with a PM if you decide to go that route.

I really am just seeking a peaceful life without screwing up what took me 10 years to build.All my properties are paid off, I did try to go the rout of hiring a property manager (two actually) and it was sooo bad.

I’ve seen people buy land thinking water was covered only to find out they had to pay 6 figures to get water re-routes or upgrade pump stations.

It is a different matter that the better route is to  amicably negotiate out of the lease.

The math made it very clear: if I wanted financial freedom, real estate was the route I needed to follow.

I’ve been in a similar spot, and you’re absolutely right—sometimes the quickest, most cost-effective route is the one that feels counterintuitive at first.