Which leads me to my goals in REI - the end goal is to build a rental portfolio that will provide enough income to allow me to quit my job, but I'm not in a place financially just yet to start that.

Build in risk mitigation and move forward, don't make financial strategy around nostrodomus.

He is a financial guy and here is what he told me:23 UnitsAlmost always 100% occupancy12% Cap RateBuilt in 1993Asking about $1.5MMNo agents would be involved in the deal on either the buy or sell side. 

Obviously, that requires you to have the financial resources to actually close on the property.

It may be easier to act like a bank offering some people a financier with a lease option  and make them your typical lease people because they  want they want home ownership someday and become an owner but they did not previously qualify for with a loan from the Bank. 

Is there a way to buy the SFIC cores and change the pins in house with reasonable time or financial commitment? 

My goal is to own quite a few flourishing properties in order to have financial freedom and eventually move towards part-time teaching and more full-time investing and looking after my properties!

I plan to add value and learn more about real estate and to provide insight on the tax laws surrounding real estate as well as financial planning. 

3) How does REI fit into your overall financial strategy?

I ain't sharing the financials on here because I've seen how, on occasion, some investors start high-roadin' newbie with their epic tales of deals-to-end-all-deals and miss the point.