That said, there would be arguably no business purpose to bringing your family along with you, so even if you are spending the entire time searching for real estate.

Good time now that rates are falling and property values are ready to start another climb up.

They also require less time compared to owning a rental outright.The reasons that I don't like REIT's as you mentioned in your post is that they are not efficient from a tax standpoint.From my understanding, REITS pay ordinary dividends and not qualified dividends.

My goal is to create passive income and then eventually turn this into a full time job for myself.

Is this the correct first step?

The customer who places no monetary value on your time.

Property is considered unclaimed if there has been no contact or activity with the rightful owner for a set period of time, usually 3 to 5 years."

After some time of appreciation, you could refinance and get some money out to do the next deal. 

I purchased my first property in June of this year.

Just starting out and thinking my first will be a little closer to home.