My wife and I are currently looking to begin our real estate investment adventure but have a bit of an anchor that is blocking the path a little.

Hi @Gary Parker Regardless of how you buy, if you sell on terms as an Investor, and you have a due on sale clause with an existing commercial loan, you will have that to gamble with.

If so, where do you recommend we start this adventure?

Flipping is a gamble.

I know, it's a huge fumble but one that I undertook as a gamble and I lost.2) I requested the original lease from the owner, at least twice and he either couldn't or didn't want to supply them.

Find someone that comes highly recommended from a friend, family, real estate agent, etc who charges a fair price and you will have a sucessful project anything less and you are gambling.

You aren't buying rental property.You are buying speculation property.Anytime the cost exceeds the rents coming in,you are gambling on gains on property for profit(which i think is insane)Speculation is dangerous

I'm hoping that we can help you find success in your ENDEAVORS (you got it right) and we hope that you can share your adventure with the rest of us.

Tourist says "Hmmm, how do I know you won't just gamble the money away?"

Worth a $50 gamble on good cheer to me!