My wife and I are going to use the cash value to help supplement our retirement and yet there will always be a certain amount of death benefit left for our heirs.Now am I saying that a whole life policy is the best tool for real estate investing, no I'm not, I'm sure there are many other tools that can be used, but I am saying, that you 1st truly need to understand it, and yes, I feel it can be one of a few great tools in your tool belt to accomplish many of lifes goals, including investing in real estate.

Personally, I think Columbus is already the best city in the rust belt - all the other cities in the midwest are losing population except Columbus.

I view them as another tool in the tool belt and they are what they are, an insurance policy.

Seems like an incredible tool to have in the belt!

I've seen others do well starting out with small multifamily deals and this particular one was a low cost entry point with a decent COC return given the market and we knew getting the first deal under our belt was hugely important.

Always start in a market you know well, at least until you get a few properties under your belt

I absolutely LOVE the ambition to do 42 properties a year - and with your estimations on how the process works, I am sure you can. but THE most important aspects (besides the capital sources) is the wheelhouse/conveyor belt of solid leads to evaluate. 

@Alan Grobmeier, agree with your regarding rust belt and need higher cash for properties in this top 10 list.

I'm glad I finally got my first property under my belt. 

I have a few years and a few short sale transactions under my belt all conducting in Massachusetts.