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Any time this guy is brought up, I feel compelled to point out that he inherited a house he was able to sell, and held a > $250,000 a year job to create the seed for his investments. And he is still working (on this ad-laden site, as a motivational speaker) to supplement his income from investments.

Anybody with that kind of starting position could retire early. Most folks don't have that kind of starting position.

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Thank you for that clarity. Something about it always bugged me, but didn't know all the history there.

Of course, there are plenty of folks who inherit a house, make $200k+, and still do not manage to have the discipline to do what he's done (reduce expenses, etc). But... yes, he's had lucky breaks and situations not everyone will have. To the extent he helps encourage people to reduce expenses and get a handle on their finances, it's useful, imo, but yeah, knowing how he got started can help keep a perspective on the advice.

how about this guy: http://rootofgood.com/ seems like he had a more honest starting position also, caring about 3 kids is no joke

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