That business model also tends to require being extremely hands-on, which seems at odds with the lifestyle goal of replacing a stable job.So if someone truly believes running around managing low-value homes is a better long-term life choice than a reliable W2 job, then by all means go for it—but it’s not for most.Another way people replace W2 income that may be more realistic is by getting involved in real estate with more meaningful fee potential, which usually means heavier construction-oriented development.

I would strongly caution you about investing anywhere outside of where you live until you develop your skills.

I am in land development in the Treasure Coast.

I’m in the process of developing a campground from the ground up, and the more I research and dig into the space, the more it feels like the right fit for how I’m wired.

Today those properties are some of my best performing rentals and reopened my eyes to long term rental ownership.Everything I do is still heavy value add or ground up development but holding long term has changed how I underwrite and design projects compared to a scenario where the real estate is sold immediately after completion.First, I can justify using higher quality and more durable fixtures and materials.

It could hinder development and actually exacerbate the core issue driving housing un-affordability which is a housing shortage. 

Like on my project in Canby Or were i just built 90 homes the gas and power is private and the hook up fees started 4 years ago at 7k today they are 14k per house then you have Sewer tap fee Water tap fee ( and keep in mind the laterals are already there I paid to put those in when I developed the lots.. its just a fee for the right to hook up.. then you have Park fee's 8k per house ( on this project I donated 1 acre for park and did get a credit of 750k towards my park fees but every other builder has to pay them) So on and so forth..

Beyond the obvious day-to-day tasks, there are a lot of market-specific nuances in Ohio that are easy to underestimate if you’re not local.Having a solid handyman, basic management software, and good screening tools is a good start.

You’re essentially describing an appreciation-first, developer-tailwind strategy, and yes, some investors do this intentionally, but it needs very clear guardrails.

I’m a former operations manager of a real estate syndication fund, a Principal Broker with over one hundred million dollars in investment sales, and an active investor who still gets his hands dirty in long-term rentals and development.