Here's my experience with life insurance.

Pay them down over the course of my life, and retire, and use the monthly income to pay my retirement, and sell when needed.I will seek out properties in key areas of the country that allow for families to rent, that are affordable (middle of the market), and can easily sell in 40 years time.

I suppose I look at life like art.

I have some experience with the city and have visited hundreds of times in my life but I don't really know specific neighborhoods.  

If my burning desire is strong enough, my lack of the "appropriate degree" is a non-issue to follow my passion.Btw, you're in a better situation that most people who do not know what they want in life!

He basically had to give up his life to care for her and his credit suffered.

@George Torres  I've lived in the Antelope Valley my whole life and I would be happy to show you which areas are best to invest in if you decide to come out here:-)

I don't have much free time to research several properties or vest several third parties - my job and my family life are very time consuming.

What I discovered is something I have never seen anyone speak about on Bigger Pockets (I am sure someone has discussed this I just have not seen this idea discussed at all...or anywhere in my short research period on cash flow and real estate properties.We hear everyone speak about Cash Flow, NOI, Cap Rate or Cash on Cash returns.. however I think there is another important benchmark for investors to consider when deciding their down payment percentage and financing levels because of their effects on cash flow...Capital Cost per $1 of Cash FlowOne of the most illuminating aspects of real estate investing is financing isn’t bad...Having spent all of my life not accumulating debt this has been a difficult psychological barrier to break through.

.- FHA loans almost always have a built-in automatic refi because the PMI lasts for the life of the loan regardless of your future equity position.