Over 40 with no retirement and a love of Real Estate. 

I have heard that 78% leveraged is the goal to maximize returns, and as you get closer to retirement that should shift to 50%.  

I'm retired military.  

That would leave me $2560/month to live on, which is enough for my modest lifestyle indefinitely. 40+ years I hope.At this point, I could consider myself "retired", in the sense that my only job would be managing the managers of my proprieties.So, am I dreaming?

My goal is to build my portfolio over time and ultimately I just want some stable income to support my ever growing family and if all works out, maybe I can pull off an early retirement. 

I'm hoping someone can help me, as I'm learning what I can about using retirement for investing purposes for my in-laws.  

But if you go out of state then you need to go all in.. because your not going to really make any money on appreciation in most markets and your not going ot retire on 100 a month positive cash for or 200 a month..

Tenants for 200k plus house has higher and more stable income, but they seems to eventually get a house right after their first lease expire. 

They own a couple vacant lots in the City and have wanted to develop a cottage community for retired folks.

Here is the situation I am buying rentals where Iam the property owner manager and He has been the Owner/Manager and wants out of them he's retiring and wants to move, travel and such.