Focus on affordable markets, build a strong network, and continually educate yourself through books, podcasts, and deal analysis to steadily expand your portfolio.Good luck!

While this is a great and highly motivating goal, most people are either clueless or incorrect in their belief as to what is required to obtain this “lifestyle”.Understanding of the “how to” get there is further obscured by the misleading, and often patently false “pathways” sold by real estate educational MARKETING companies as workshops, upsold to association memberships, upsold to mentorships.

Quote from @Kimberly Venable: It's getting the right education.

Two standout locations in North Carolina—Gastonia (28052) and Kannapolis (28081)—continue to offer solid investment potential.

Nearly all the investors I work with need to be re-educated about expectations.

You can probably start the education process at 17, then apply for your license once you turn 18.

No guarantee this will continue but I see elected officials making policy mistakes that will lead to less development and that makes me believe constrained supply will continue to drive above average appreciation.John

I recommend you go to the source and educate yourself on all the landlord-tenant laws, particularly in an increasingly regulated state like Colorado.Here's a good starting point: https://doh.colorado.gov/landlord-rights-and-responsibilitie...

Or should I continue to stick it out and pay things off each month until caught up?

That's wonderful.Your state requires 72 hours of Real Estate education.