Start going to a local Real Estate club to be around like minded people and that will make a big difference for you mentally.  

I'm not just referring to the job, I'm talking about the concept of working for others and more importantly the idea of trading my time simply for money was not doing well for me (mentally).

“But one of the smartest strategies of the world class is doing what they love and finding a way to get paid for it.”On the other hand, middle class take jobs they don’t enjoy “because they need the money and they’ve been trained in school and conditioned by society to live in a linear thinking world that equates earning money with physical or mental effort.”I would have taken the risk and started my own business like I considered after college instead of taking the first job offer that came along.

Do local real estate market research so that you understand local culture, dynamics and business mentality, before purchasing anything.

It's everything. rehearse, rehearse.  

Welcome back to the real estate investing mentality. 

In Las Vegas, where there is a ton of them, the mentality seems to have gotten more to, get the highest and best as close to the BPO as possible and let it go....still not going for significantly less than market value.In las vegas we can get you or any investor many buy and holds that will make money, flips are still available if you are realistic on what you want for returns.  

I have been trying to think through this mental exercise a fair bit lately.

That would seem to indicate a "rushing-herd" mentality, which is a huge issue for any investment strategy.

Therefore, you will need to go through the entire process without cutting corners or getting impatient (the real enemy of dealing with seniors).Since I presume this is your first package deal, I suggest you plan on showing up with two note pads, one for each of you, and ask your seller to make notes mirroring what you write down in your well-rehearsed meeting.