I bought up some land and put it through final subdivision approval out of my own pocket. When I secured bank approval for the infrastructure loan I quit my ass busting high stress high tech job and built the project out. No partners, no employees, I only contracted professionals. It was a hugely successful passive business that just kept puking big money taxed as long term gains. It still has a few good pukes left but it's nearly built out now. I essentially retired at 45, no work other than going to closings to pick up big fat checks and some project management for my own LLCs. Of course if the project had failed, I would have been wiped out. That kind of working for yourself? Best career decision I ever made.