I agree though... you either roll up your sleeves and make some sacrifices if you plan to DIY or you hire out the hard work and are happy to pay for the privilege. 

But does this mean that there is no need to plan?

But that was really the crux of my plan so I can’t fault myself there, buying all those houses gave me control.

My only plan when I started this was to earn a better return than anywhere else by using my comparative advantages (high knowledge of construction, DIY abilities, intimate knowledge of my geography, location in a cheap but growing area) to affect my return in a way that was impossible in other arenas.

Whenever I find a job or opportunity in Austin, I plan to move there.  

The pension amount at age 39 is not enough for me to feel comfortable, so my long-term plans are to start a small business and invest in real estate to position myself where I don't even need my pension, and it's just a bonus.

I think it might make more sense for me to continue to rent my current apartment due to the conveniences and being able to walk to work versus moving into one of the units in the multiplex as I had originally planned.

My question is should I already plan to collect the basement rent in a separate bank account or is that not necessary?

Yes I plan to get with the city but trying educate myself to go in prepared.

Whether to buy now or wait hinges on what you're okay with, how you see risks, and what you plan to do.Good luck!