The thing is most people start a business because they do not like the idea of having a job for a variety of reasons.I think everyone's situation is different and you should think about it for yourself.

So naturally investors are looking into other markets like real estate as alternate investments.With baby boomers retiring and moving out of their homes for a variety of reasons, this will actually help support the supply of new homes to the market in a gradual way.

Normally I would like to give someone a variety of options too.

With the vast variety of loans that allow you little money down or no money down (although risky) your purchasing with out pouring your life savings into the property.

I also hope that my lack of knowledge can be mitigated to some degree if I have ten properties in a variety locations compared to a single large basket.

Man, I didn't really realize I had that variety until I wrote that out.

Should help you focus on your goals, or even if you decide you need college.Don't forget your public library.Udemy.com has awesome $10 courses on a wide variety of subjects. 

I like the variety now. 

I like newer brick houses (no painting required), and prefer 3/2 rentals, which make good starter homes, and which will appeal to a large variety of people. 

I would add that you may want to go with an IRA provider that handles a wide variety of assets (some don't handle certain types of investments) so that you can adapt to market conditions for years to come.