I didn't go to the beach last year, I didn't go to any wineries, I missed out of birthday parties,  sleeping in is merely a dream.. it's a lot of sacrifices.Definitely agree with Kyle-- house hacking a fourplex is the smartest,easiest and fastest way to get there!! 

Make sure you clarify what will happen if they don't fulfill this duty.Here is an example from our rental agreement:1.LANDSCAPING/YARD CARE.Regular landscaping/yard care (mowing, edging, trimming, fertilizer, weed control) will be provided by _______________________.For all Tenants:a.Tenant agrees to keep yards, walkways, patios and decks clear and to keep premises free of junk and debris.b.Tenant accepts liability for all landscape damage and/or replacement of such, if caused by neglect, abuse or lack of water.c.Tenant may plant the beds adjacent to their dwelling to their liking, but only with those plants that are of appropriate size and type for the beds.All plants brought or caused to be brought to the property by Tenant will be cared for by Tenant.d.Tenant agrees not to cut or prune trees, hedges and shrubs.This will be Landlord’s responsibility.e.Tenant agrees to properly dispose of all plant debris and agrees to not leave such on the property.f.Landlord will consider special Tenant requests for planting and removal of plants, shrubbery and trees, but reserves the right to determine the make-up of the landscaping.For Tenants of single family homes only: a.Tenant agrees to mow, water, and keep the grass, lawn, flowers and shrubbery thereon in good order and condition, applying fertilizers and weed retardant as needed. b.If there is a failure of Tenant to keep the landscaping in good order and to follow these guidelines, Landlord reserves the right to hire a landscaping service at Tenant’s expense (after a 10-day notice to perform covenant).c.Landlord reserves the right to restore the landscaping to its initial condition, as it was at the time Tenant began occupancy, or if improved during Tenant’s occupancy, to the level of such improvement.

Our lease thats that "The tenant covants with the landlord to maintain the premisis in good and tenantable repair...flower beds cultivated and planted, the lawns watered and mowed, and the shrubs and trees trimmed and replaced as necessary" . 

We give a birthday card and $5 Starbucks cards with tenants birthdays (from the application) and a $15-20 Subway card at Christmastime.  

You start tapping into event crowds, reunions, business travel, weddings, birthdays, holidays, etc. 

Would love to divorce the corporate world on my 50th birthday. :-) Why do you ask?

Noob (newbie) Here from Flower Mound/ Highland Village, TX area.

The fancier the brand and the bigger the size make it today’s backyard status symbol.A ‘year-round’ yardYour yard can look leafless and drab in the winter months, but flowering shrubs, colored bark, ornamental grasses and colored berries all add color in the cold seasons.

Happy Birthday Ben and best of luck investing!

We use lilyturf grass in some flower beds with partial sun and are drought resistant which usually holds up well throughout the year without any intervention.