As a general question, in 2018, why would anyone (who expects to interact normally with society) keep accumulating their spare $30k+ under their mattress?

The remainder live hand-to-mouth and either do not have the means to accumulate a down payment (i.e. a single parent on social assistance) or do not have the self-discipline to save a down-payment or maintain a suitable credit history (some of these tenants make fair incomes, but always have new cloths, fancier cars than I, and lots of recreational travel).  

Thus far, the rentals are not cash flowing, however they are accumulating equity with minimal overhead expenses.  

It is difficult in this economy to create wealth without accumulating debt, the type that allows you to grow your business and expand.  

We are on tract to accumulate another 5 within the next 18 months. 

@Chaz ReidWell im looking to start out and not spend so much money on marketing and a found a large neighborhood which has probably a tenth of the homes in pre forclosure so i was like hey, maybe i could just direct mail some of those people to structure my first deal then accumulate more money to market with bandit signs and such. 

Additionally, in 88 percent of metro areas, the financial benefit of buying a home right now accumulates at least $100,000 over 30 years."

When I start to accumulate rental homes, I will definitely want to employ a property manager, lol! 

Did not happen overnight, it was an accumulative effect and it just happened to give way under my brother's weight. 

You ----- with your accumulated experience and knowledge and exposure to real estate - your mentoring relationships and network and your energy level is what YOU need to operate in this business as an investor.