So in my opinion why go to A, B, C, D if your goal is to go to "Y".Julian, it's obvious that you are a very very intelligent person that is very very driven....  

DEWALT-18-Volt-Self-Leveling Laser Level

So my thought was how to invest in something where I can store my toys and make out in the end.

I hope to one day get a vacation house there but it would be a "toy" and not necessary an investment.

Men like their toys.

I have actually been toying with the idea of doing the same thing.What you are actually talking about is starting a business and not necessarily just real estate.

I started with Quicken Rental Property manager and soon realized this is a toy of limited value for me.

You have to keep your mindset and belief stronger than anyone else's  and stay laser focused on your goals.People believe you have to get all of the business out there and it's simply not true.

I have always needed to laser-focus on the most important goals and get those done.

I am looking at taking it to the next level and have been toying around with the idea of some 4 unit apartments.