Path to retirement via RE investing- help please...

[Justin Campbell]

Hello All,

I am trying to develop an investment strategy for an early retirement in 10 years. After reading several articles from an affiliate website (I don't think I'm supposed to mention affiliates by name??) I have these numbers:

1. I would like to have $10,000 of cashflow a month

2. It is very reasonable to find properties with 12% ROI in my market.

3. Currently I have a duplex with $45,000 in equity. It gets 16% ROI.

4. I have $25,000 saved in my bank. 

I've read about the 1031 trade-up plan, which seems plausible. Can anyone suggest alternative paths forward?

Thanks for sharing your expertise!

Justin