For most people to earn enough cashflow to have a comfortable lifestyle from rental properties may take many many years.

Not to mention the numerous tax advantages and flexibility to create whatever kind of lifestyle you want.

Although my only involvement with BP has been religiously listening to podcasts and a couple book purchases until now, I look forward to getting more involved on the forums.

@Larry Chen Like mentioned already, depends on your goals and lifestyle. 

I recently graduated college with a double Bachelor's degree in Anthropology & Religious Studies with a double minor in Philosophy and Asian Studies.

A few dollars of cash-flow off a single property will have very little effect on your lifestyle.

Needless to say, I love real estate and I'm not looking for a quick buck, but a lifestyle transition to doing what I love and getting closer to freedom of time.Also, to my fellow Kentuckians, Go Cats!

If you want to build your own team you can and will save some money, but some people's work and lifestyle etc mean they cannot effectively. 

How many rentals one needs really depends on their lifestyle expectations and expenses.

I think Government Assistance Programs (like Section 8) have the right aim, but more often than not, miss the mark by encouraging a lifestyle of dependency instead of improving circumstances through required education, job training, etc...