However, I know that I do not want all my income to be reliant on my day job and live to watch my retirement account grow.I am probably doing better than a lot of people my age but am eager to take the correct steps to build a real estate portfolio.

First of all I put my acceptance criteria clearly in the ad: minimum credit score (enter X amount, 620 is what I use),income 2-3x rent, good rental history, references, no evictions, acceptance dependent upon background check and employment verification, pet policy, desired lease term, etc. so that people will hopefully read that and not come to the open house if they know they won’t qualify.

This is recognized by financial planners, bankers and other experts from coast-to-coast as a valid strategy where it meets the consumer's need.I don't take ANYONE at their word because of their age, sheep skins or experience. 

Last many years has been age of adoption, not innovation.

The auto guest messaging and guest verification features from Hospitable are a game changer!

His teachings suggest a paid off home, $500k in assets, and more than 1 source of income (SS if of that age, real estate, part time job, retirement/pension, etc.).

Without knowing your age, I like the idea of pushing additional savings into good, no load index funds (I like Vanguard's S&P index but there are plenty of others) through a Roth if you're young enough, leave the rental portfolio as is and pay the debt down to nothing, since you're not inclined to really work at growing that end of it. 

If they are VERY professional, they will have their processes in writing as verification that policies are enforced equally and fairly by their entire staff.6.

I've been getting a card or two a year to increase my limit (indirectly lowers utilization as well if you don't charge it up) - it does hurt the overall credit age though 

There's a nexus of factors tied to the LLC lending question worth noting.Typically we use a specific type of private business-purpose note that enables LLC lending.Other benefits of this note include: No Income Verification, No Credit Reporting, LLC Liability and Privacy protection, Unlimited Number of Loans, Far Less Documentation,... many obvious and non-obvious reasons savvy investors run this route.These notes are also competitive with FHA/VA/Conventional interest rates; however a 15-20% minimum down payment is required.Happy to help you cover the bases.