BiggerPockets

We started investing 5 years ago… and we're really proud of our accomplishments so far. In 5 years we went from being tenants to owning our residence plus 19 rental doors! Both my husband and I still have our full time jobs and also manage all of our properties… final goal….retire early and keep on investing on the side. We have decided to stop buying and concentrate on paying down the debt acquired with real estate. According to my calculations…in 3 to 5 years we should have enough net cash flow to retire. I'm excited about this new focus. The challenge… I'm an entrepreneur and I will have a very hard time staying put and not trying to keep on growing!
I'm excited to share this with all of my BiggerPockets colleagues…as we all have similar goals and aspirations! … Thoughts?
:D

Ana,
That is fantastic.
Keep the focus.
Others need to hear of what can be accomplished.
Congratulations

Great job so far! Why not be prepared to opportunistically buy great deals that fit in very well with your current portfolio. Don't plan to buy, but be on the look out for something really extraordinary that comes along.

Thank you all for the cheers! I think I might find the time to blog about our experiences and where we're headed. Maybe a 2011 goal !
We are thinking of retiring in South America...we will see how our plan progresses.
And Jon, we will be open to great opportunities...if they arise we will not turn our back.

Congrats! You can see the light at the end of the tunnel and it's not a train! (?) Make sure that retirement means more of a fixed income.

I have seen several of my friends retire on rental income, but it doesn't necessarily stay up with the cost of living, since rents can't be increased, in some cases, quickly, rents lag.
Shooting for 20% more than your needs is better than hitting a figure today and saying I can live off that.

And, don't forget maintenance, 15 years into retirement holding older properties may need attention. Just two aspects that retiring investors should address, IMO.

But, congrats, it sounds like you are well on your way, it's a great feeling isn't it? (!)

Well... we do think that rents will go up with cost of living increases. Also, we are looking to retire in South America where cost of living is lower - We will also be watchful of our situation and not blow it all in a few years ! There is a lot to watch and control and manage...but those will be details as we would be retired and still young !

Congrats!