But, by-far the biggest consideration (in my opinion) is that lack of competition within the industry and preferable treatment by revolving door bureaucrats means the government is paying way more than an efficient economic model would predict or endorse.

As far as quitting the job, I was able to leave my job after around 6 months investing, but to do so, you have to have a different model than 100% buy and hold.Buy and hold will make you wealthy over time... but if you want real estate to pay the bills sooner, you'll want to learn wholesaling, rehabbing, short sale flips... some type of buy now-sell now method.Perhaps set a goal of 2-4 properties a year bought and rented, and one "flip" a month to pay the bills.Whatever you do, don't be in a hurry to quit your job, even if you make some fast $.

ugh.The Mortgage Professor has a calculator on his site that tells you exactly how long it takes to benefit from a refinance if you want to model all of your projects.

The only beef I have ever had with his model is that there is only one of him and lots of students so he is spread thin for time.It looks like Tim Mai is promoting his products now.

The approach used by Karen and DC crossed the boundaries of respect towards their audience and gives “real estate seminars†a bad name.Unfortunately for people like me, this business model works.

I opened an account with Buildium and tried to model my site after theirs.

I just ramped up and have started 4 new Model homes, because the market is really strengthening.

I used to count it when I was less experienced as an investor (not saying it is wrong...just that I changed) because it made my numbers look better.What I later found is that the tax system IS SO FREAKING COMPLICATED (forgive the outrage ;-)) that I couldn't model the thing very well.

I don't know your personal situation nor your business model, but generally speaking this would be a bad idea.

With commissions becoming harder to guarantee and client loyalty at an all time low, master planning is now a value-based proposition that should be used to generate substantial fees using a new business model.