The dream that I will make reality is being able to retire and not worry about the cost of a vacation or other things my wife and I want to do or buy.

LA basin and the LA based investors are market makers.. no doubt..

Almost anyone can make it through college with very little effort (what a sad state of higher education we have), but real estate investing requires real work (which scares the hell out of most people).In real estate you have to make real decions, which directly impacts your financial picture.

You should also make it a goal to go to IRL meetups in your area so that you can make real connections and build a great team. 

Same for a kicked in door that was replaced.

Unlike typical rental management, you are not generally the decision maker...you work at the direction of the Board.

These are mid-size cabins that sleep 10-14 people, all with amazing views, one with an indoor pool, and well maintained by me in terms of the big thing.  

Does anyone have any experience with the deal maker mastermind?

I am not sure if wedding barns a trend in your area or if that is just a local thing here.I believe the liquor sales are their big revenue maker, beyond the venue and furniture rental.

My other passion in life is figure skating, I want to retire from my day job of Senior Accountant (at a real estate corporation) hopefully as soon as possible - hoping rental income will enable me to figure skate during the days and lounge by the pool somewhere warm in the late afternoons :) Indoor ice - outdoor sun!