Hey! I’m Alex. I’m a huge personal finance and FIRE nerd, and this is my blog where I dump my thoughts, achievements, and setbacks when it comes to all things finance.

I’m your somewhat-average zillennial working toward FIRE while holding down a decent-paying full-time job in a LCOL Midwest town. I plan to achieve my goal largely through buy-and-hold rental real estate, so I’ve got a long journey ahead. In 2018 I kick-started said journey by buying my first rental property, and as of 2026 I now have six!

My road to financial independence is a three-step process:

• Step 1: Lean FIRE (30k/year)
• Step 2: FIRE (60k/year)
• Step 3: Fat FIRE (90k/year)

Currently I’m working on Step 1, which is undoubtedly going to be the toughest and longest step; although I’m planning on making I’ve made some career changes to help speed it up. I hope to complete my journey by the time I’m 35, so 2030.

---

PASSIVE INCOME MILESTONES (Rentals: 100% | Dividends: 0% | Interest: 0%)

• $100/mo. (February 2019)
• $250/mo. (October 2022)
• $500/mo. (October 2023)
• $1000/mo. (March 2024)
• $1500/mo. (May 2026)
• $2500/mo.
• $3500/mo.
• $5000/mo.

*The cash flow numbers reflected above are after setting aside $200 per rental unit each month in a high interest bank account for repairs, maintenance, and capital expenses.