@Luke Ezzo Focus on buying quality real estate rather than setting your sights on owning a specific number of doors.

Can someone with a lot of experience in TDs and stock-index ETFs compare these two investments in terms of risk-adjusted returns?  

Have enough time set aside for due diligence of the books.

Would make sense if you can set it up properly - use efficient & effective management and make it more interesting / exciting / instagram-able then the competition.

I would love to hear what places you guys recommend as well other data sets I should take into account!

If it helps, I would be happy to set up a time to grab a coffee or jump on a call. 

You can set that up over the internet/phone.I am here in Saint Petersburg and its a great time to come down as an agent if your getting your FL license.

Managing multiple properties does come with its own set of challenges, like juggling different maintenance issues, taxes, and possibly even varying market conditions if they're not all in the same area.Here's where your financial goals come into play: Are you looking for a more hands-on investment with potentially higher cash flow from the get-go?

In option 2, would it be best to set up an LLC or trust and sell to myself in that manner?

They were extremely aggressive and micromanaging until we set them up.