I've seen your questions and always happy to help @Barbara Johannsen, Moving from landlord to lender changes everything from liability to lifestyle.

Are you investing for the lifestyle that it can bring, or are you wanting to scale up to a major player?

In 10–15 years, I’d love for real estate to fund my lifestyle. 

I didn't get the impression it was a mega hub of corporate lifestyle.

If you’re interested in investing, I’d focus on strategies that fit your current lifestyle and income, and that can be easily integrated into your life in a tax-efficient way.

They promote a lifestyle versus how to actually do something. 3.

A lot of investors in Oregon end up buying out-of-state for their first few rentals and keeping Portland for lifestyle, not investing.If you’re interested in small multifamily look at landlord-friendly, lower-cost markets where the numbers make sense from day one - places like:Columbus, GAAkron / Canton, OHBirmingham, ALParts of TXMemphis, TNThese markets offer better rent-to-price ratios and long-term tenant demand.If you’re exploring syndications the key is understanding sponsor experience, fee structure, exit timeline and whether returns are cash flow now or appreciation later.Best next step: underwrite at least 5–10 deals before investing in one - you’ll see patterns quickly. 

I agree that it can be powerful when you want to take a stream of conscious thought and make it digestible for others, but on forums like these, where there is a high value put on personal relationships (even virtually), it does not come across as "working smarter". 

Instead of “trading up” our lifestyle every time income increased, we saved up and bought more rentals.

Being budget conscious I decided I would just do two concrete strips for the tires and now he tells me the city is saying that is not allowed and it has to be a full driveway, no strips.