But I will register a car, a bike, and an RV at the address.

What you know is those guys don't have tools, a car, a license...

Therein lies an inherent conflict of interest.Just like asking a car salesman if it's a good time to buy a car, a stockbroker if it's a good time to buy stocks, or an insurance professional if it's a good time to buy life insurance or an annuity.I have been overall bearish on new buys in the Smokies for about two years now - I have been warning about a correction since early 2022 on this very forum and was, at least initially, lampooned by the majority. 

We've been car-free for many years and want to avoid owning a car as long as possible!

They are reluctantly loaned an old family car as a teenager and young adult that we "happen to have extra".

@Cara Powers which mastermind group are you referring to?

Quote from @Cara Murray: Hi Cecil- We are also in Shasta County.

Then, get off and walk home or take your car a shorter distance. 

Thanks, Cara. 😊  I've been thinking more about your question based on my LA experience, and some great advice I've read from three days of lurking here on BP from some RE veterans, based less on my fantasy but more on what I would do with your idea to start out at 1.5 and move into 3-5 million houses.First, it's all going to come down to your goals, here's a quote about that from Don Konipol (from the forum post https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/519/topics/1150499-the-...Quote from @Don Konipol:IMO, the financial reasons for investing in real estate include 1- Asset Preservation2- Increase Wealth3- Current Income4- Tax MinimizationWhile these four are not mutually exclusive, the more you benefit in one area the less will be the benefit in the others, given normal market conditions, unless you uncover something everyone else has missed.

I’d rather buy a house and have the tenants pay for the car, as rents slowly go up.