My husband has stable income that is 5x the amount we are looking to pay in rent.

Yes, it a little bit more money, but they are a much more solid and stable product.Best of luck,Jim

Consider some of these things: you need income/savings to pay for food, insurance, transportation, utilities, retirement savings, perhaps a family some day, the list goes on and on and on.

The seller has retired from his job and wants to sell his rentals--he seems motivated to sell.

I have already talked with the current renters I also know them and they are an older retired couple that wants to stay there the daughter lives in the neighborhood.

also to retire young, and self dependent!

I want to build a solid portfolio of single/multi family rentals so that one day (20+ years from now) I can retire from my job and live off the rental income.

It is fine to receive private money from an individuals self-directed retirement plan and taking multiple investors is fine as well.

Hi Derrick Carpenter you sound very similar to me (busy career, kids at home, RCJH, goal to retire at 45)!

You need to see how you communicate, things in common, are they honest, judge integrity, you may not need the most successful you may want more knowledge and experience with an agent that doesn't have to beat their head in to stay afloat, they may have retired from another profession so they may have time to take more interest in you.You're looking for a personal business relationship, not a girl friend or drinking buddy, but someone who has ethical standards, knows the business is current understands investing aspects and that has time to devote attention to you.