I’ve been focusing on building triplexes in Columbus, Ohio, and it’s been a game-changer.

It's a relationship game more than anything, so if you're building strong relationships with them and providing a consistent product, you'll be golden.

My first rental I asked the guy at the closing table how much he usually got for rent and he told me he could pretty reliably get 300-400.

Many online courses are self-paced, so working on it in your spare time is absolutely doable.If a career shift isn’t your goal, you can still learn the "game" through various other means.

Keep the risk in check so you will not be taken out of the game. 

Based on your advice to newer investors, should I play the long term game by paying off my house early (2030)?

It's a long game, not a sprint. 

The further you get into the deal the more skin in the game you end up having so it just makes sure you see the project through so you recoup the time and cash invested. 

Hello Tiffani Hollis, Congratulations on stepping into the realestate game.

@Stuart UdisAll great comments, seems like putting skin in the game will be a reassuring factor for any potential investors.