I realize the LLC is for liability protection but my goal is to retire early and I want to phase into REI being my primary source of income.

Know the lenders requirements for the loan types you will need.For instance you may find you need to have liquid cash of 9 Months P&I and 100% of the loan amount as your personal net worth in order to avoid personal guarantees on the loan, and your retirement accounts may not count towards your liquidity.Know the requirements of the loan products for the apartments you want to buy.There are no books for that, that I know of--just lenders info.Because without that all else is just scholastic exercise.Good Luck!

Except I am thinking instead of an S&P fund, buying some cash flowing properties so that I can better set myself up to retire from my W2 off passive income. 

Quote from @Henry Clark: My wife and I have been discussing our Retirement life, running 8 Self storage locations in 5 towns and how to relax a little more. 

I already have $1,000,000 in retirement accounts which based on the rule of 72 that should be $4,000,000 when I retire if I don't tap into it.

Name:  Kyle MastExpertise:  CFP, financial planning with real estate ,and early financial independence focus (retired from this, not taking on clients).Looking forward to:  Connecting with podcast listeners, fellow early financial independence and real estate enthusiasts.See y'all in Cancun!

Good afternoon allJust for general discussion.....and I know there is a lot of information not given....I was discussing with several colleagues at a recent investor meet up, on their thoughts on best practice/method to acquire another property management company in our geographic location.We were approached by another management company who's owner wanted to retire and presented us with an offer.Original discussions with the other management company(seller) had them wanting a one time payout, say $100,000.

IS it still possible to "retire" off of residential REI? 

Retirement accounts don't count towards liquidity, nor do non-liquid investments like VC, etc. 

BRRRRing unlivable properties has provided us with retirement income and help us build wealth.