So stop paying extra on top of your regular mortgage payments and put that into savings. 

I still have my regular job @ 50k a year but the properties pay for themselves, extra cash goes straight towards the principal on the mortgages.

When economy is on downward trend a lot of businesses go into (cost cutting and flight to safety mode) increasing sales at existing well located stores.

Where would I store my cash?

@Leora MerrellThis is what I use in the last 3 years, works like a charm, replace regular AAA battery every 6 months .https://www.amazon.com/SoHoMiLL-Electronic-Connected-YL-99/dp/B00HLVGO7Y

I work a regular 9-5 job and am trying to get investment properties that will allow me freedom to not worry about having a job and retire early.

LolThat said, there were over 9000 store closures in 2019, and over 1500+ so far in 2020...The retail world has been changed by e-commerce...

Greatly appreciated, I would look to follow up with the agents regularly, but I hear your point loud and clear.

I know people that have had long standing retail and restaurant businesses and had their leases not renewed by landlords which basically put them out of business because relocation was either too expensive or they never made up their revenue in the new location.Just so you know where I am coming from, I purchased an existing retail wine and liquor store in a rented space about 7 years ago.

@Brie Schmidt If you are planning on doing private lending on at least a semi-regular basis, consider a subscription to TLOxp.