I make good money at my job, i have no kids at the moment, and have goals of one day becoming financially independent.

My fault that I didn't sign an independent IAC and the agreement had NO written deadlines .

Use capital to create as much income as possible through RE while obviously maintaining the adequate reserves(20-30k)• Goal is to achieve financial independence and retire early from RE I’m hoping to eventually scale up and get involved in bigger deals.Looking to hear/learn about investment strategies from other investors (eg. paying down mortgages or just letting tenants pay it off and keep saving for more investing) Always hoping to expand my knowledge.

Do you require all married couples to have each spouse independently qualify? 

If you can keep buying properties that cash flow and let's tenants pay them off it will help you become financially independant.

I've reached out to some of the big names like GEICO and even a local independent agency, but I'm stuck I'm spending up to hour answering questions just to get an estimate....even worse I learn that I'm restricted to one plan.

Yet, I'd prefer to hold the property entirely independently if possible.For the last ~two years I've been reading about real estate, running the numbers, watching the BP podcasts, and generally getting ready.

Through buy and hold real estate investing, I hope to better prepare myself and my family for whatever comes our way in the future.My goal in the next 5 years is to reach the first level of financial independence and at least be able to cover all of our living costs with passive income.

Once I am able to live financially independent I will quit my job.

I’m independent but also believe I’d have to be a fool to make mistakes that I could avoid by having someone help.My question is, how did you find a mentor and what kinds of things should I look for?