Lifestyle and city offerings are amazing.

No one is calling you for clogged toilets or to change a light bulb, here, they want the homeowner lifestyle, so they're going to call the plumber or electrician. - Very low turnover. - Very low drama.

Congrats on making the switch to REI full time, there a lot to be said about the freedom and lifestyle real estate can give!

If your lifestyles turn out to totally grate, just end it and find someone else.And about the girlfriend.. 

Start young, I saved religiously for years and bought my first house a year ago at 21 years old.

They each have there own personality and some my fit your lifestyle better then others.I am an investor friendly Realtor in the Tampa Bay area.

I agree that "owning/renting 4-5 homes in tiny cities in the midwest just won't pay your own mortgage" AND keep you in a lifestyle that your W2 income gives you now. 

Another tip would be: when looking for a mentor or program or course etc, see to it that they're not selling a lifestyle, but a skill, and verify that they have or are living what it is you're striving for. 

Many of the bay area people are moving there for a better lifestyle.

All of our friends thought we were crazy, but we've been able to live a much more comfortable lifestyle already!