I am self employed as an early childhood educator and my goal is to generate income from real estate that surpasses my current income so I can go full time in real estate.

If you do not do this you are placing zero value on cash which to a seasoned investor is a primary sin.Personally 5% is not enough to suite my investment goals and can easily be surpassed but each to their own.  

We are a competitive family (I have two brothers as well) and while my father is currently in the lead in properties, I hope to equal or surpass him in the next few years.I have tried to stay sharp and in tune with my local market after buying my personal property four years ago.

I have also given bonuses based on surpassing a certain income threshold.  

In 18 years I surpassed your ideas of wealth, but not mine, but how do you basically do it?

Texas was among the first states to emerge from the 2007-09 Great Recession, surpassing its pre-recession employment peak in late 2011.

I wish I could say we stuck 100% to our rehab budget, but we surpassed it by about 15%.  

I want to attract high quality tenants so I'm thinking finishes a little on the higher end, but not so far as to surpass what will contribute to increased rent.

I assume you would have no problem with a ratio that surpasses Greece.

i see it and i want it, and i will get it.with this attitude, combined with my book and street smarts - i'll surpass that.i've worked very hard to get into a circle of people that are extremely successful and make A LOT OF MONEY.when you surround yourself with individuals like this - you can't help but become like them...successful!