Governments move markets is so baseless and incorrect that it dosn't merit a response as the most elementary level of economic history, experience, data etc would remove such ridiculous notions.

I’m notionally deployed to Eurasia, but at this moment I’m in Denver, Colorado to evaluate an absolute MONSTER.This 138 unit apartment complex could return significant value for investors via light renovation and professional property management. 

I approached the notion of financial independence and/or early semi retirement, by sharing some inspirational podcasts and videos… does anyone have any recommendations for something similar with real estate?

What a great write up-I am almost embarrassed by my pre conceived notions-you nailed it!

I showed houses that are white with approval letters.Forget the notion its Alabaster...4-corner rule applies here. 

I am attempting to lay out my financial path to semi-retirement (i.e. leaving my current w2 for something less time consuming/more enjoyable) within 10 years or less.I can identify my family's spending now and what I project after semi-retirement, which I have done for the most part BUT that part of working backward and laying out milestones to achieve x number of properties or cash flow or equity, all the while maintaining a proper amount of contribution in my workplace retirement plan and other tax adv/def approaches.I imagine i'd need a tax resource and a financial advisory resource, both of whom are knowledgeable on the notion of 1) real estate and 2) retirement planning before traditional age.

When all roads lead to you, you will get all the leads and you WILL get deals no matter the time of year, no matter the location no matter what happens in the world.Make sure you adapt this notion as this is KEY to make it big.Be smart, don't follow the masses, use your own logic!

I've been leasing a detached house since Feb of 2019; roughly 30 months, with a yearly lease (which goes up every year)I don't want to get into a ton of back history between the landlord and I because of any pre-conceived notions some might have, but I will say that I have never been late and have always made my monthly rent by the 1st (occasionally earlier). 

I also appreciate that you touched on the notion of multiple goals and targets.

But your reliance on the notion "it was ok when we lived there" is also a problem.