While it sounds simple—buy enough properties so the income replaces your current income—there's more to achieving financial independence than reaching a fixed dollar amount.

Good question.

No way to answer your question without knowing your overall financial situation, your goals and so on. 

or would it only offset my w2 income? 

All of the expenses count against the income, and you owe income tax on the net profit.  

Treating them as “one applicant” without running both names is how you accidentally inherit someone with a surprise eviction, bad credit, or a criminal record.Run a full check on both — background + credit.Even if the spouse isn’t the income source, you still want to know who’s living there.

Even though the nurse is already vetted through their agency, I still run standard checks on any adult who will be living in the home—mainly a background check for safety and basic income verification if they’ll be contributing.If the nurse’s contract alone easily meets the income requirement, I don’t stress too much about the spouse’s finances, but I still verify who they are since they’ll be occupying the property.

The questions you’re already asking tell me you’re going to do really well in real estate because you’re doing your homework upfront.

I'm not familiar with dditional income.

The right team knows the inspection process, the neighborhoods, and how to protect your asset while still keeping the numbers strong.In the right markets, Section 8 in lower-income areas isn’t just “worth it” — it often outperforms market rent in both cash flow and stability.Curious to hear what rent levels you’re seeing in your area compared to market?