Is that (financial) freedom? 

When I look back at the time freedom I have gained from leaving the workforce, I keep on kicking myself in the butt for not figuring it out a few decades earlier.

I'm leaning towards long-term rentals (LTR) but am also eager to dive into fix-and-flip projects to generate quick capital.I'm deeply committed to achieving financial freedom through passive income, and I believe real estate is the perfect avenue to reach this goal.

Anyone ever consider advertising rental discounts to First Responders, health care workers and/teachers?

Those all probably have a higher ROI for you.If you really want to get to financial freedom, keep building your passive income streams. 

My husband and I are planning on putting one the rooms in our house on airbnb, either as a short term or medium term rental for travel Healthcare workers and such.

From my research, seems like healthcare is one of the largest employers in San Antonio.

In 5 years, you'll have 5 properties that will be cash flowing and can be on your way to financial freedom.

My kids have freedom to play safely in the snow. 

My friend wants to include me in on this so we can both achieve financial freedom together.The plan currently is to take out a personal loan together for the $20,000, put in $5,000-10,000 worth of work into the property to make it livable as soon as possible, move into the property ourselves so we don't have to pay rent anymore, and then refinance as soon as possible.