We kept growing over the next six months and eventually amassed close to 60 units.  

At this point I feel like my best option is just to keep saving my money and eventually just put a down payment on a property.

It won't cash flow much, but I don't really care as it is a long-term hold and the rents will eventually catch up to turn cash flow positive.

I will eventually build my residual base but factoring for inflation, the retirement goal may not be attainable. 

I called a couple more times and left a few text messages and we eventually settled for $6,500. 

Am also looking to move to Buffalo NY eventually so house hacking is a "must" part of this goal.Since I am a beginner and live 8hrs by car away from Buffalo I figure I will start with a turn key property from: http://www.buffaloturnkeyproperties.com/Am sure the owner of this company will say any of his properties are a good investment but I am the type that  need to know why the property is a good investment.

Also, since I own these properties free and clear, I'm also thinking of doing owner financing for these properties to allow my tenants to eventually move in. 

I will be overseeing the renovations then renting and likely selling eventually.

I bought another house with a MIL apartment a bit ago and it needs a washer/dryer in the main unit (that I will be living in, though I will eventually rent the house out).

If you'd like to someday be the owner of your company instead of chief cook and bottle washer, eventually you will have to hire someone to perform these functions so the sooner you track them as cost items the better.