Again, consensus seemed to be an ability to think about investing, retirement accounts, going to get education, and similar.Truth be told it was motivating for me because when people believe they have something to work towards they are less likely to take silly risks like destroying an apartment or not paying bills. 

Someday after I retire, I would like to be in driving distance of that place to go spend time around. 

People who are employed in a reasonably recession-proof job, such as health care, government or education, should consider increasing their portfolio size, particularly through their retirement plans, like a Self-Directed IRA.

@Curtis LipseyI'm far from an expert and can't answer your question directly... however my limited experience might be useful to help you think from a slightly different perspective... alternately you might get inspired.I retired from the AF a couple years ago... and purchased a house at every stateside assignment.

It’s possible for one single multi-family deal to be big enough for you to retire.

My family ranches cows (specialize in beef longhorns and crosses), but it is a retirement hobby more than anything.

So, my 5 year plan has me taking early retirement and heading to Florida, but still keeping my properties in Iowa.

You can also use it, by maximum overfunding it, as an investment tool in conjunction with your other investments or as a retirement funding strategy.

My goal is to take a job on the coast & transfer my state retirement into a 401k that will enable me to borrow.

Things, like how much money to invest, how long you'd like to invest it, do you need it to be relatively liquid, is it self directed, how much you make a year, your age, are you W2 or self-employed or retired, what other assets you have, there are tax considerations, and so on.Ask a local friend or a local tax preparer if they know of any qualified and honest financial advisors.