@Henry Clark I retired early as well.

@Travis Boyd why does your FIL want to retire from landlording?

Estimated costs range from $500–$1,000 annually, depending on the complexity of their LLC and rental activity.For Partner 2 ($148K joint income, W-2, 1099 income, 1 rental, 2 kids), a CPA is strongly recommended.

Very exciting you are looking to get into the RE investing world.Thanks for the interest in Rent To Retirement.

@Aubrey Eblin Thank you very much for sharing your experience with the Rent To Retirement Academy. 

Not a rookie - While I have never purchased a home without an agent, I have purchased two homes in the last fifteen years in Denver and, at some point, managed both with some form of rental income, plus helping my mom manage the independent basement apartment in her home.

If you are looking at this property from a residential and rental perspective, then it may work as long as you are willing to put your own income into the property. 

I'd just as soon donate to the local contractor union's retirement fund. 

But, what’s the best strategy for someone who wants to own property, but just as an “aside”; to diversify their portfolio, hedge against inflation, or build a retirement nest egg?

Did you set out to retire with real estate, did you have a goal or an amount you wanted to make?