I just put one for rent for $1700/mo - and received 14 inquiries in 12 hours.

@Heather Baileywhy not pick a market within a couple hours? 

And the owner is very responsive to questions or issues (emailed him at night and received a reply within a few hours).  

I’ve been dreaming the last few years of starting an event venue, something for weddings, gatherings, etc., preferably with a great outdoor space.

My goal, over the next five years, is to utilize real estate in lieu of my current hourly consulting income, by building a portfolio of rentals.  

Quote from @Simon Walker: Quote from @Andrew Syrios: Could you "split the difference" so to speak and go back to work for yourself but limit the number of clients you take on so you only need to work 20 or so hours a week?

., $300 for paint and supplies) and add a fair hourly rate for labor.

I am in a similar boat as you, I currently have 5 properties about an hour north in Sheboygan County. 

Congrats on wanting to get started!

LA in 2024 had a minimum wage of $19.33 an hour. 52 weeks at 40 hours a week grosses you $3,350 a month.