You make friends with your neighbors in particular an old retired one that likes to talk and sit on the porch. 

Our goal is to build up our cash flow so we can retire and live off his income and the houses (god/navy willing).

If they are easily resolved, then I would knock them out and re-lease the unit right away.Get back on the horse and ride it to retirement!

Then they chart a pathway or "gameplan" for you to leverage your current assets & income to pay off your debt and secure retirement through real estate investing. 

While you don't have a self-employment activity at this point, knowing that you can avoid UDFI tax on leverage real estate in your retirement account, self-employment or side business can be easily created.

I remember a few years ago after reading a few articles about "what's your magic number" (the amount of money you need to retire), I determined my number (a goal to set out for).  

One day I was told of another ex-railroader, who is retired, has been doing guys taxes for years, which has led to a nice little post-retirement tax service business.

I have recently invested $81,000 of my mothers retirement money that was recently Broker Price Opinion of $221,000 over a 14 month period.(172.3% return) If you are interested in getting on board let me know.

Ultimately, a legacy to pass on.I always thought I would come back to design/build and begin real estate investing in retirement.

One day I will retire from the W2 but I want 25k a month not 2500.