My only question is, given the kind of lifestyle I would like to live with a future wife, kids, etc, staying at home, should I even be looking into real estate?

But you should figure out how big that fund needs to be based off your lifestyle.

You are now talking lifestyle with your purchase being OO.

Presumably someone who has cash to buy investment real estate has a W2 income sufficient to cover their total monthly cost of living - their “job” pays for their lifestyle.

Years of trying to earn more at my W-2 job, paying off consumer debt and student loans, not letting my life style increase too much after getting out of college and as I got promotions and raises, and saving as much as I could.I started on the Dave Ramsey plan, so for years I followed his strategy, but not 100% because I know how to payoff a credit card every month.Yes, it took years to get started and my property portfolio is modest, but the only debt I have is investment mortgages, I've had a paid off primary residence for years, we crossed the million dollar net worth threshold years ago, and I've got a massive cash reserve.

Thinking about the topic based on this WSJ story: https://www.wsj.com/lifestyle/careers/realtor-career-real-estate-industry-3b1dcf41

What type of lifestyle does she seem to have...

They have a system that allows me to build a mailing list using interests and lifestyles as well as geographical areas.

Our lifestyle allows up to hop up there should there be some pressing issue.

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