Hi Alex,
I know of REIN members who only buy 3 properties ever, but then I know guys who buy over a hundred in their first three years. I only bought one in 2008, my first year investing, but that`s an ok fit with my situation and goals.
What is really important is to define your objective (or Belize), and understand what is driving your definition of `portfolio`.
How do i build one? Buy one positive-cashflow property at a time, plan for owning 30, and help others out as you go.
How much time does it take? REIN has a program called 17-3, which is the goal of owning 17 doors in three years. It`s attainable for most people.
Chris