Now I know:  what to read and what to look for in a property.I'm starting to feel empowered. 

Continue to seek like-minded people and spend more time with those who empower you.I have a similar family and friend situation and I am now aware of how much control I have over their lives and decisions.  

You still have a lot of control because you are the one creating the options for them to choose from but they still feel empowered because they have a choice. 

@Keith Nelson - if you feel you need help all the way thru @Michael Jobe is active on the forums.If you feel you can do a lot of the process yourself, I recommend you checkout www.SoloPro.com - (they help the empower the DIY Home Buyer and let agents unbundle their services).

Set a regimen of (his and others) empowering podcasts to keep your spirits up and keep you going.

Then empower that person.

Empowering messages are definitely better than victim messages.

I graduated from a University that strives to help educate and empower the poor.

Having a downstroke available can be very empowering but it is all relative to the strategy of the goal and where one is not the # of 0s in the deal.

Most of S&P Tech company that empowers the whole country is located here.