They did this while they continued to work in plumbing and dry cleaning until they retired at age 62.

I want to see what you all do (aside from real estate) to maximize that tax free (or in taxable stock accounts as well) retirement income.

My husband has a remote job and would love to learn from my dad who has built for years and is now retired Of course, that may take a while and my husband could only work with him after he gets done with work around 4pm each day. 

I'm an investor, and represent as Director of Education, Equity Trust Company, which is the custodian for Self-Directed retirement accounts, and then also Equity 1031 exchange, a QI. 

It's common to find a tenant who is a college student or maybe retired and looking for additional income.

There are several here on BP who understand self directed retirement accounts.  

Student rental is easy, so ignore what's on market, really I could grab you 4/5 if want those no problem, several of the "old guard" are in process of retiring so that's a simple call.     

That is what our team at Rent to Retirement has been helping investors to do for a decade now with BP.

If that person needs to buy another house in the same area all those houses have gone up just as much. that's True Eric however many people move  being born and raised in the SF bay area this has played out thousands of times  get your appreciation.. go to Portland pay cash.. go to Dallas pay cash and most peeps that retire usually go someplace cheaper.. really works well for those that can build their own homes live  in them two years and sell profit is now tax free.. more than a few builders do this if they can talk the wife into it :)

If you can claim real estate professional status, you can offset the losses from the real estate against the income from the retirement distribution.You may still be subject to the 10% penalty.The good thing about a condo is that you pay potentially be eligible to depreciate more of the property compared to other types of residential properties.Best of luck!