However, I'm now reading Dave Meyer's book Start With Strategy to learn more about whether long-term residential rentals is even the best approach or if I should be looking into other strategies, in light of my overall goal.After Start With Strategy I plan to read Set For Life by Scott Trench, but what other recommendations do you guys have at the strategic level?

But you bring up a good point that supply could be at record levels if demand is matching that same pace.

I’m not sure the size of your garage but I would consider adding a second level above the garage and keeping your garage space.

That can be on a micro level like near parks or nightlife or macro level of better climate and terrain.

Quote from @Gregory Wilson: This depends on what level of control you can exercise over the W-2 employer.

I am not saying that to brag, the reason I say it is we all wish we could get into real estate at a younger age - but we are all different and depending on your level of risk, sometimes being patient is not a bad thing as its a marathon not a sprint.  

So there are many more participants at the novice level who may not understand the risk/reward nature of this type of investment. 

At the end of the day, assuming the market at a high-level is strong, you must be able to trust in a strong, local team. 

Either the toilet is leaking below the floor level or there is degraded caulk/grout surrounding the tub/shower/walls.

So great levels of intelligence it does not take.