Through passive income, I hope to gradually supplement my salary and replace it completely within 5-8 years.  

Maybe just a hair on the high side.Not that my opinion carries any weight. 

Gradually, as I've acquired capital and relationships with private lenders, I've transitioned my real estate activities from being a commissioned agent to being the principal in 90% of the transactions I do. 

In regards to buyers agents, I think the good ones are worth their weight in gold.  

I think Josh has lost weight too, look'n good ya'll! 

., mixed in with another class (maybe along with sex ed) would be beneficial to high school students in general, extensive mandatory instruction in personal finances would have too many very personal variables to be taught successfully in a class setting with tests and grades attached, and could actually prove harmful if certain philosophies are given more weight than others.            

The landlords duty of care is gradually encompassing not just tenant but the public at large.

In the case of the HELOC, you use it like a checking account so all of your surplus funds pay the balance down gradually and again, you're technically making extra principal payments every month, but since you aren't really missing the money it's like your mortgage is automatically being paid down faster.

A rental with great cash flow will also help but its a pay off gradually rather than a quick pay off/down.Cash out refinance is a better way to get the funds usually because the cash out refinance offers a lower payment. 

As young investors it would not be difficult to amass a decent portfolio of real estate that can be weighted toward income or accumulating wealth.