welcome to bp, your sentiment around leverage is 100% correct, and I'd challenge you to follow your own advice and use that leverage to put as little as possible into the real estate rather than the coveted "pay cash for it" or while one can pay cash, utilizing your w2 to refinance is a unique skill and ability you can have.house hacking in the mid west is where its at for sure.

By the end of my first year, I'd completed 10 deals and earned $73k.In 2018, I stumbled upon Todd Toback and his acquisition skills models.

I also have marketing skill and tech skills.

You'll need to work with an agent who specializes or has some skill in this and who understands investing.

Most simply don't have it and or also have very limited sales and closings skills ..

I try and provide feedback that is typically contrary to popular opinion because most of the people here on BP are newer and do not have the experience that others have - so when I see people telling others to do X or Y which has significant risk because they thinks it’s easy - most do not know the skills of the person on the other side of the post and sometimes it’s better to err on the side of caution or atleast let everyone know and be aware of the risks.What I would tell anyone buying real estate today is expect to hold it 5 years before considering selling it if you expect to make any money on it.

Build the broadest ranges of skills, knowledge, attitude and abilities and become business lethal.  

Challenge and Stretch: Great leaders challenge their teams with tasks that stretch their capabilities, allowing for growth and the development of new skills.6.

If by Adult Family Home you mean a non-medical "assisted living facility" (ALF), these can be quite profitable. 

Have a pension and medical.