It will be just a gray area forever. 

You can't go balls to the walls forever in the business, eventually you need referrals. 5-6 of my clients came in that way because their friends were so pleased from transaction.

Banking cash flow today to invest tomorrow vs living off of itFound a job at a start up (part-time) in the RE space that I really enjoy that can show some form of W2 income but the absolute $$ of this work are far less than my "real" W2 tech jobConsidering selling primary residence (currently used as STR) before the "live there for 2 of the last 5 years" capital gains exclusion expires that has increased in value and keeping cash but eventually rolling those gains into a multi family prop when price is right and I find my "forever 2 or 3 flat"

I have not seen a check for sellers proceeds in forever .. we only accept wires ..

Or you might hold it forever.

A poorly designed renovation there can sit on the market forever, costing you FAR more than hiring a pro.

So, not a very passive model long term IMO, especially compared to appreciating assets where the best model is generally buy and hold forever (or 1031 those gains on up) because you are rewarded and it is more economically feasible in the long term to take on the CapEx, though it is tougher in the beginning in these markets because prices are higher and cash flow is lower (but increasing with time).I'm not saying every market is like this, and I'm not saying that if the market is this way that you can't make any money ... 

I can not figure out a way to stop the flow of water forever, or how to prevent mold form continuing to grow since it will always be wet.

I then learned that my plan was not suitable because saving my way to financial independence will take forever!...

Plus with 3/4 bedrooms they might stay more than one year, or forever--less turnover and less leasing fees), and get feedback about the area--find your local expert and then cross reference his opinion with other local neutral parties (I even called the local PD when I was buying my first one).