Hi James --  Rarely do "cash" buyers have cash sitting around in their savings account -- in my market you would generally have to have a few hundred thousands which isn't going to happen. 

I however do not want to spend the time to learn to do the manual labor and would rather just hire it out and jump in if I need to save a buck.

I do know that I want to invest my money in Real Estate and potentially in years to come retire with the income being generated from my properties.

My logic is to offer them more of a return that they are getting with thier money in a savings account for the year.   

Jon,I have a contact that is retiring from real estate investing because of her health.  

If either one of you been saving with a company and have any IRA or 401K savings you could probably use that to help you in investment.  

My only "plan" was to continue to buy homes once I could save enough for down payment/closing costs and lease them out hoping to cover the mortgage and still make a little monthly income ($150 - $250 minimum). 

About 5 years away from retirement and I am looking for a business venture to help set up my family for when I'm gone.

I'm a financial planner by profession, I deal largely with company and state retirement plans and assisting clients with retirement funding analysis.

I hate to tell you, but in trying to save costs, I think you've taken the most expensive route.