And then had a deposit down for a house in Ocala that they never delivered and raised the price on twice.

Also, consider raising capital after doing the first few - consistently building your connections while learning as you go. 

However, this structure provides two main benefits: 1) I don't have to build a big marketing machine to raise money.  

Are you aware of finance options like NACA? 

Keep your prices just a hair lower than your competitors for the first month or two until you get some good reviews, then raise them to market rate.

Raise rents, reduce expenses (shop insurance, appeal taxes, refinance, etc). 3.

I helped some BP clients purchase a package of fourplexes last year and they've already raised rents by 15% in a little over a year of ownership.

Also be aware that cash out refinances typically have slightly higher rates than initial purchases or just rate and term refinances.

In this completive market, it seems as though off-market deals is the only place to really find a "comfortable" position to be in (although completely aware that we are all in a risk filled area of investing). 

It will also require extensive networking to raise funds from other, legally, to buy at scale.Recommend your plan be more realistic with a goal of 10 years for your real estate to be generating enough cash to live off - and even that may be a bit optimistic.How to grow?