Here’s what I recommend:Cash Investments:No Debt, No Stress: With cash, you avoid third-party control and loan vetting, giving you full control of returns.Equity Builders: Partnering with builders often reduces your property entry cost by up to 20% below market value.Consistent 10% Returns: With an all-cash approach, achieving 10% ROI is realistic and efficient.Financing Strategy:If cash isn’t feasible, consider a balanced financing model:40-50% Down Payment: Keep leverage manageable while maximizing returns.Lower Debt Exposure: A conservative loan-to-value ratio (LTV) reduces risks and keeps returns stable.Work with a Builder: Collaboration with builders can lower acquisition costs and increase your ROI.Key Takeaways:If possible, prioritize cash for simplicity, control, and consistent returns.Financing can work well with a disciplined approach to debt and a strong underwriting process.Partnering with builders offers opportunities to reduce costs and enhance your portfolio’s profitability. 

Taking financial advice from people who have made a life of consistent bad financial decisions is never a good idea.

I'm sure there are agents and investors with deeper insights, but for most of us, a consistent, long-term approach—similar to dollar-cost averaging when investing in index funds—seems like the most practical strategy.That being said, I am also interested to hear what others have to say though, so thank you for the post!

Padsplit is a topic of discussion also (STR room rentals), but I think LTR's are a little more consistent with income and a bit less work.

Been using them for a couple of years now and still provides consistent results.

The trade-offs are real, but for consistent cash flow and the right landlord, it can be an excellent strategy.What’s the best way to start?

So... as a good fool, I end up signing for the 3 days course expecting to have good lessons.I then went to the seminar that I left after 2 days of consistent brain washing.

So you get some consistent sales.

If you consistently analyze properties, recognizing a good deal will be much easier when it shows up.

Learn how to consistently hit singles and doubles, and don't be ashamed to take the occasional walk. 5 years is a very short time frame to go from no RE to financially free (although you may already have property, which is an awesome start).