Obviously, someone planning to retire in five years should not be diving into risky investments whether real estate or stocks.

But because of real estate I am totally free and retired.  

Jay Hinrichs, my Dad would but he is retired and has a mortgage and outstanding debt...so I don't know if that would help or hurt the scenario. 

For said same $385,000 I invested in  over 12 one bedroom supportive housing units in a retirement community I co-own, I pay no tax, and a matter of fact, I get numerous tax deductions for helping my government with a national crisis.  

Hi BP,I just wanted to thank everyone here especially @Joshua Dorkin and @Brandon Turner for helping me get out of my W-2 job and into semi-retirement.

Here's the question I usually ask everyone: What role does real estate play in your retirement savings? 

, and I want to plan for my retirement now.

Obviously borrowing against the retirement to invest in real estate is better than using it for vacation.

Sounds like your in at the ripe age to retire early.

You can't retire on one deal, and they might bring you 20 more like it over the next couple years.