Our long term goal is to try to buy about one every 4-6 months so we can shoot for semi-retirement in 10 years or less if all goes well. 

Aside from that you may be stuck having to save up the money for a future purchase to keep your risks as low as possible starting out.

I am learning from the best and continue to be blessed with great people in this place.To continue this path of success by building knowledge and wealth I would like to help all the families out there by providing tools that can help everyone save money in energy used on residential and commercial properties.My motto is "Integrity before Growth" in which families are able to save money and help others do it as well.If you would like to know more about it I'll be glad to give you more information.

I have zero money up front and will be able to save $1000 a month beginning Sept.  

Should I save more money 20k-40k and stretch out my timeline?

So my suggestion for new guys and gals out there looking to invest, the first step is to SAVE MONEY!

I retire in 3.5 years and I want to have at least 2 rental properties under my belt by then.

I'm semi retired now, so I don't really worry about it any more.

This will not give you current cash flow, however it will be retirement monies for your future.

Ali, to answer your question,  I started looking in the San Antonio area as a future retirement area and the agent I hooked up with is also a property manager.