It simply is not true that the middle class can not save, what is true is that many do not save. 

I am also retired from the army and looking to put my duel incomes to work for me.

I'm sure you can save some money by donating your own labor so that might get your foot in the door.

Looking for any recommended CPA, Lawyer, Real Estate Retirement Advisor, Contractor, Handyman, & Property Manager near Stanwood, WA.

Coming up with the 20% down is tricky if you don't have a lot saved.

Is everyone just saving up a ton of cash to do this?

During this time, I will be learning everything I possibly can, while building my savings and paying off debt.

My name is Scott and i'm 50 years old and looking to supplement my future retirement with real estate investments. although i would like to avoid mistakes that could hurt my pocket.

So, I am willing to learn and start slow with the goal to have a number of houses in the double digits which would be fully paid off in the next 20 - 30 years so that when I turn around to sell them, I would have a lumpsum that can add to my retirement.

If you need the income produced by these properties then you cannot buy them in an IRA; that money stays locked up until you hit retirement age.