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

I’m your somewhat-average zillennial working toward FIRE while dealing with a chronic illness and 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 (45k/year)
• Step 2: FIRE (60k/year)
• Step 3: Fat FIRE (75k/year)

I know that people typically calculate their FIRE numbers as total amounts invested in the market, but considering most of my asset allocation is focused on real estate, it’s easier to go by annual income. As of May 2026, I’m still working on acquiring at least a few more rentals, but I plan to pivot to focus more on brokerage investments too.

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.

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PASSIVE RENTAL INCOME MILESTONES

• $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 net profits after setting aside $200 per rental unit each month in a separate brokerage investment account for future repairs, maintenance, and capital expenses.