Look for properties that offer good rental potential and fit your lifestyle. 

If your goal is to become financially free and ultimately leave your W2, the $850k home and the accompanying lifestyle is going to be your biggest obstacle.

I took me 10 years to build up the consistent cashflow that I needed to live the lifestyle I wanted and quit my day job as an engineer.

I am super conscious that I am using my retirement for this venture.

Marketing wise, highlighting the sustainability factor could attract eco-conscious tenants.

However, financial freedom is not simply replacing your current income; it requires maintaining your current lifestyle for life.

I didn’t want the risk of death of tenants due to a fire on my conscious.

If there are major issues, I can take care of them without effecting my lifestyle. 

From there you can design a plan and a timeline so that by that 5 year mark you can sell the businesses and have enough passive income to enjoy the lifestyle you planned for today.I'd love to help out with your planning because I'm on a similar path to retiring myself in 5 years as well. 

I meet far too many people who make six figures and have almost no savings, because of their lifestyle choices.Focusing on the Right MarketsThere isn't such a thing as "the best market".