42M, Family of 4, $98k W2 — Feeling exhausted and wondering if I should just coast to 50
My wife stopped working a few years ago to care for our two disabled children.
We are a family of 4 in a MCOL area.
Current Numbers:
- W2 Income: $98k (take-home ~$5k/month after taxes, insurance, and small retirement contributions)
- Retirement accounts: $1.52M
- Taxable brokerage: $280k
- 35 rental properties: $3.1M value, $1.9M in loans → ~$1.2M equity
- Total Net Worth: ~$3M
We are currently living very tight on my paycheck. Cashflow from the rentals is minimal right now (~$300–500/month that I can actually pull). The properties mostly “run themselves” but still require weekend/evening attention. Loans mature in 2040 and 2050 — once paid off they should throw off ~$15k/month net.
I’m exhausted. For the last 7 years I’ve spent almost every evening and weekend rehabbing or managing properties. The BRRR strategy grew our net worth a lot, but isn't great for cashflow. The mental load can be consuming. I don’t want to buy any more real estate.
Goal: Retire by 50 (8 years from now) and be able to comfortably spend $150k–$200k per year.
Questions for the sub:
- Should I just coast — keep the day job, stop pushing real estate, and let the stock accounts grow?
- Is there something more active I should be doing right now (reallocating, trading in IRAs, etc.)? My W2 income isn’t going to grow.
- Worth selling some (or many) properties? (I know transaction costs will eat me alive)
- Any other levers I’m missing?
I feel guilty just coasting because it doesn’t feel “productive,” but I’m also exhausted and don’t want to keep grinding and buying more real estate. Looking for honest feedback on whether my plan is reasonable or if I’m missing a better path.