Unless your mortgage rates are obscene I would just do the same thing you're doing now, with the exception of (financially speaking) downsizing out of your current home since it costs a bunch of money and makes you none. 

The goal for me is to be financially free.

Check that with your school, they should have some offerings, call or email financial adviser over there. 

You would also want to have in lease disclosure of personal and financial books updated quarterly. 

My goals are simply to become financially Independent using real estate.

He is a frequent contributor to this forum, and you can check out his company, Sense Financial, online.

But have to find and close so much less to get where you want to bbe financially. 

You will see the financial benefits. 

Although I now consider myself a recovering consumer and have been financially sober for a couple of years now and have been completely rehabilitated for two months now.

That's why in this live webinar, Brandon Turner (co-host of The BiggerPockets Podcast) is going to help you get your "train" moving by walking you through the necessary steps to buy your first, second, or third rental property - to build your momentum for a life of financial independence!