I'm curious if you decided what you're going to do and if you and your friends have made any choices if you're going to invest together?

And most times, if you have that grind mentality, they will feel somewhat threatened by you ultimately becoming their competition (unless of course they are retiring or getting out of the business).I hope this somewhat helps.Georges Franco

(at least for the first few properties) I do not need cash flow in the short run but my ultimate goal would be to retire early from my investment properties.

Ultimately, it depends on your goals and the opportunities available for investing your wealth. 

But ultimately, the terms proposed can be changed at any moments notice.

Lowering the primary mortgage payment is the ultimate goal, not acquiring new properties. 

If I wish to continue adding properties/units, I have to make some choices. 1.

Ultimately, my goal is to scale my portfolio and purchase a second property within 1-2 years after graduating.

Eventually, you'll have no choice but to get a job to maintain your standard of living.Best source for population growth: WikipediaLast Throughout Your LifetimeYou cannot sustain financial freedom if your income doesn't persist throughout your life.

This is a summary of learnings from a recent project I personally completed.  
Steps involved:
1. Buy a home with a large backyard
2. Get permits to build a detached ADU (DADU)/backyard cottage in the backyard
3. ...