I got a package containing a manual, some supplemental books with links to Internet resources, an audio CD and the account/password to their private-access Website (deal submission online form and other resources, such as basic real estate contracts in PDF format).

Ultimately I would like to 1031 exchange for a nice-sized apartment complex somewhere to supplement my retirement income from the Navy by the time retirement hits in the next 15 years.

There are many reasons but just to list few - economy of scale (more scalable, all the expenses will spread over a larger amount of the units), financing you can get a commercial loan with many advantages (assumable, options for supplemental loans ..etc).

I am working full time in San Diego and buying rentals now to supplement my retirement.

My in-laws own rental property in SoCal already (a cash flowing triplex in the San Gabriel Valley) and it would be ideal to follow in that same mould and have properties that are nearby.Our ultimate goal, for now, is to more or less supplement our income, not to replace it.

The advantage is that I can buy another house with cash (and own it - supplementing cash flow drastically).

.,  and then they may supplement that with Excel for billing purposes.  

In a few years time you could end up with a nice passive income stream from 10 leveraged properties.If you are looking for even more involvement beyond that obtaining a real estate sales license would be a good supplemental income stream as well.

There are supplemental origination fees, inspection fees, safety buffer contingencies for the rehab.

I got mine to supplement my income and also to gain access to the MLS.