You need to invest the time upfront so you can get time down the road.And yes, you can have work-life balance once you have enough properties producing the cashflow you need to more than replace your W2 income (and I say it should be MORE than your job's income because as a full time real estate investor, you need to pay for your own health insurance, life insurance, etc.)Now the way to convince your wife is NOT to plunk in tens of thousands of dollars to a guru program.

If you moved because of work, military assignment, work in the intelligence industry, health reasons, or another IRS-approved 'unforeseen circumstance', you may be eligible for a pro-rate exemption.https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/the-partia...https://www.irs.gov/publications/p523#en_US_2018_p...

I don't charge "pet rent" because then it's tied to the pet.

It's actually much higher than that with cost when any health insurance is paid, social security match, workman's comp,etc.

When you’re in your early 50’s, good health insurance is a major factor!

When you’re in your early 50’s, good health insurance is a major factor!

When you’re in your early 50’s, good health insurance is a major factor!

They then started to complain about previous issues with rodents and even complained with the department of health.

@Dale Miller  FHA, VA and USDA appraisals are far more difficult than for a conventional loan.Appraisal for a conventional loan is looking for the value of the property and to ensure that all major systems are functional - water, sewer, electricity, heating and AC.FHA/VA/USDA does the same, but will also fail for anything that can loosely be interpreted as a health or safety issue. 

Don't start doing backyard BBQs and watching their pets and bringing their kids to Chucky Cheese.