Downside of that is you're exposed to the volatility of the stock market.The next thing I'm going to research are syndicated commercial deals, it seems like with the right network of sponsors it should be feasible to achieve double digit returns in a completely passive way.If/when there will be a market correction, I will be looking into buying SFR in my backyard (Northern CA) so I can assemble my team through BP references and always be within driving distance in case something happens and I have to manage my own investment.

In this digital age it's really difficult to know who actually is good at a thing vs who is really good at marketing themself for that thing, it's true. 

Timestamp on digital signings\creation is off.

In 2008 when markets like Phoenix, Atlanta, Las Vegas and others were losing 40%-50% of their values, Midwest markets lost only single digits in value.

So I recommend that you invest aggressively (based on your risk tolerance) to grow your money via appreciation investments (in real estate, these would be double digit annual returns such as flips or being a hard money lender) and once you attain the level of cash you need to be financially independent, then you invest into income producing assets (in real estate this would be buy and hold properties and long term Private Money lending).I hope this gives you some food for thought. 

Milwaukee has seen steady high single digit appreciation over the lat 8 years. 

They avoid getting into a hot market because they are waiting for the "crash" only to miss out on double digit gains.

Depending on the exact location is the said property, some markets are seeing as high as double digit appreciation rate thus selling might be the most financial benefiting play.

Both are generating consistent double digit returns (10-12%) paid out quarterly.

.^^^ The buyer (reported to me to be from Germany), who signed a digital closing but what not at the closing with the title company - one line he was suppose to sign was blank -- this at the title company.