We basically needed a cash buyer and only had one initial cash offer of $134k.

Sorry to say, but much of all that is the  fire hose.Like any industry you begin by learning about the product and the rules of the industry.You need to learn real estate basics before you try to  learn how to deal in real estate.I suggest you get a text book  for Realtors to study for their license, that is the meat of the industry in all states, but states are unique.You'll then find out that real estate is unique and is not dealt with like personal property.

I looked at my Social Security and my 401k and thought "This isn't going to cover anything more than the basics!".

Basically it has been difficult to convince her to allow me to do an open house for next set of renters. 

Not to mention they have no basic sales skills  IE they don't answer the phone they hid behind text messaging.. or call you a week later..

I have a basic Commercial Model I can share if you message me offline. 

When I have more than just the basics I'll post in the deal analysis forum to get some feedback.

However, a course might be a good way for you to get a structured introduction to some of the basics and explore different areas of real estate to find out what aspect appeals to you.

Basically you're speculating that the value is going to go up. 

Sometimes a contractor can catch things and give you a more specialized opinion rather than the sometimes superficial or general/basic report the inspection might provide.