Could set aside $2k a month for further investing.  

Drawing set is complete and work is ready to go.

I can tell you what people here have done to set themselves up for retirement.

After setting aside $100 for vacancy and $100 for repairs, my monthly cash out would be $802, not counting the down payment.On paper, it looks like a pretty good deal, with an approximate $400 per month positive cash flow. 

Here is a blog where I wrote about a recent 42 unit we bought and did creative things to add value. https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/bought-multi-million-dollar-apartment-complex-age-26/Just a few ways to produce ancillary income:- Laundry Coin laundryDetergent/laundry essentials in a vending machine in the common area laundry rooms.Rent individual W/D to each unit-Parking Garage parkingCovered parkingprime spot parkingJust plain old charge for parking-Renovations Interior units upgradesCommon area renovationExterior upgrades for curb appeal-Vending machines In common areas such as exercise room, pool house, laundry or leasing office-Trash pick up service In high-end buildings they have a service where you can set trash outside your door and for a fee maintenance will go around each night and collect it so the resident doesn't have to carry it to the dumpster.

I put on one roof, two complete HVAC systems, one set of gutters, one full kitchen redo, one minor kitchen remodel (floors, counters, hardware), 4 bathroom remodels, full floors in one house, and then the requisite painting, trim, etc everywhere. 

She is still within the time limits set by the lease and as for the check clearing completely that is on the banking system not the tenant. 

hey all, I'm a small time investor setting my affairs in order in anticipation of 1) retirement and 2) a global and/or national fiscal crisis.

At this point I'm still setting the foundation of my business, so I'm interviewing CPA's and Attorneys, setting up the LLC, beginning to network, etc.  

That can set you up for predatory dealing.Read the blog on BP "How To Develop A Good BS Meter" That will tell you where to begin in real estate and investing. :)