I know of several investors local to me in Ohio that started at 45-55+ and used the above positive traits I mention to amass 20-30-50+ rental properties quickly and be fully retired within 3-5 years from the cashflow. 

He would invest with me, but he plans to retire in a year.

My goal is to build a portfolio that will guarantee a healthy and luxurious retirement, along with funding a few vacations for the wife and I.

If you can afford to keep the rental then you are already 1 home into a portfolio for retirement.  

Trying it in Norfolk (retired Navy) since its my backyard but not having a great deal of luck to date.

I am a "retired" professional poker player, I have been fortunate to do fairly well over the years in poker, but I have become disillusioned with playing the game for a living, and feel like it is time for a change. 

We are going to retire probably to Colorado in another 4-5 years anyway.

There are lots of baby boomers approaching retirement age that don't want maintenance, and condo living is attractive to them.

Some have very high appreciation potential with less cash flow while others have great cash flow and far less appreciation potential due to their location, age, etc.My overall goals are to use these for retirement and pay them off no later than 15 yrs from now.

We are trying to build a portfolio and retire by 40 and LA won't do that for us, especially on teachers salaries.Keep us updated on what you do!