I read somewhere in the forum 90 miles outside of the major city seemed to be the magic amount.

Finding great tenants is where the magic happens.

In essence, they're basically saying there's a certain sequence of steps to follow that, if done correctly, magically unlocks this pot of financing which the banking industry or creditors will not tell you about. 

I have been a Lifestyles member for about 3 years, been on these boards for a couple of years,, I don't work for Lifestyles, but I firmly believe in the program.They don't teach you how to 'get rich quick', they don't teach you anything someone with 20+ years in real estate investing couldn't tell you,,but they have all that, including unlimited phone calls to ask questions, for $500 a year first year, and $250 a year after (and usuallly you can extend your membership when a sale is going on)No "magic' in what they teach, just good investing knowledge from years of investing experience.

I know many others with stories of success in real estate that each took their own unique path... so don't think there's one magic way to achieve your goals. 

Go back and read that, then if they didn't apply as indicated in the note, then have @shanteduffy work her magic.

If you become unsecured, there is only so much you can do and there is no real magic to the approach.  

My market assessment could be dialed in better but some experience and a little capital will do magic right now keep that in mind 

If you decide to pay off mortgages along the way it would be very difficult to buy new rentals to get to the magical number for financial independence.

Once you change the mindset of your current situation, magical things start happening and that belief will lead you to that first deal.