My goal for 2017 is to take the plunge and buy my first property (multifamily in Northern NJ)!...

Prior to the move, and assuming the world reverts to some sense of normality, I would be working out of Dallas as much as possible prior to the relocating, and visiting homes/neighborhoods before we take the plunge on a home.

Within 3 years of making that plunge and not having any W2 income (or much of any other kind) we have enough cash flow from our 8 rentals and the one mortgage we hold on a seller finance deal to live on.