What started out as a distraction/hobby has blossomed into a pretty fun experience.I agree with @Dean West about most of your education coming post-first close.

Disposable income is very alluring, you can get new clothes, get a new phone, buy stuff for your hobbies.

When we met I was doing it as a hobby.

But I also have a family, a crap load of hobbies, and a second career.

Relators (you have to have one or you don't) 4. property managers (you wouldn't have this problem if you had a PM), and  hobby landlords.

Anyone who defends all cash purchases invest in real estate as a hobby.  

But apples to apples, you want me to compare your real estate strategy to an index fund which is not a fair or like for like comparison.And do you work in the real estate field at all or as a hobby? 

I'm committed to this life, I'm committed to rental income, and I can provide superior service and support compared to any hands-off hobby landlord running rental properties as an alternative investment strategy easily.

The learning curve to establish good leases and practices is just too great IMO for hobby landlords.  

Can’t be a hobby.