@Apryl Skahill To get your risk-averse spouse on board with real estate investing, start by educating him with beginner-friendly resources that highlight the long-term stability, cash flow potential, and tax benefits of real estate, such as depreciation deductions and offsetting W-2 income.

I truly think I only need 4 more houses to hit my goal and then shift from buying to paying them off.I am not sure if I am thinking about this the right way and I am sure there are things I am not thinking about but below are my thoughts:Pros - I can purchase the houses I need to hit my goal faster - With getting homes fasters the depreciation, tax benefits, amortization, appreciation, rent increases all start sooner - Home prices on average should be lower now then if I buy in 4-5 years - I can take better advantage of leverageCons - I have more risk until I pay the properties off - Less upfront cashflow - Longer timeframe to acquire the properties to reach my goalIf anyone has any opinions or advice I'd love to hear it.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.

Note the property tax will be -10% on the rent by itself.Month 0 to 24: $2450 * 0.5 - $1573 =-$348/monthMonth 24 to 60: $2450 * 0.5 - $1541 =-$316/monthNext issue is due to the low leverage starting at month 24, the ROI takes a beating.  

And it can work really well for you as long as you pay attention to the statute requirements.In order to defer all tax you are selling investment real estate and buying investment real estate of at least the same value you sold. 

@William TaylorMichigan has some of the most complicated property taxes in the USA.

The patent on the 30 year with taxes and insurance was 3900 or so.   

If you aren't familiar with Baltimore, I would suggest it's a hard no and say that you are trying too hard to make cash flow happen talking Baltimore and tax liens and auctions.

Your loan will be $1,100 a month, add insurance and property tax.

If you need financial help, ask under the "Finance, Tax, and Legal" forum.