Some investors go for max leverage, while others prefer to keep debt low and scale slowly.I’m curious: how do you balance this in your investing journey?

You don’t have to choose between retirement and real estate...do both, just balance liquidity with long-term tax efficiency.

That’s active income and lets you balance payroll vs. distributions to save on self-employment tax.• Track hours if you or your spouse aim for Real Estate Professional Status (REPS) or use the STR loophole on future deals—depreciation losses can then offset W-2 or active income.Bottom line: keep the rentals in LLCs for liability protection, maintain them as pass-through for tax simplicity, and separate management income if needed for tax savings. 

Pyramiding is how we can achieve infinite returns.

It's a balance and need to take that into account.

@Eric Fernwood - 570 properties with <2% vacancy is an achievement.

What I’ve noticed is that the returns don’t always scale proportionally with price, and there definitely seems to be a “sweet spot” where demand, occupancy, and operational risk all balance out.

Correct me if i am wrong, but my feeling is that it won't be able to help me with certain calculations (i.e. depreciation if i have a basis increase, or interest expense if i have a refinance), or keep up with the balance sheet and cash flow statements.

At 36, your target to semi-retire by 40 is achievable if you combine conservative leverage with proactive tax strategy.

Real estate investing can be approached in a similar manner, balancing cashflow vs appreciation and Class A, B, C, D for risk.