They noted debt is under debt consolidation and willing to put more money down to secure the lease and also open to doing a multi-year lease. 

I think you're one of the first ones to share in the open forum. 

I also tried biggerpockets/wheretostart, but for some reason the .xls would constantly keep opening skype files.

Just make sure to document everything and keep communication open.

Here are some additional tips:Business Bank Account: Open a dedicated business bank account to manage income and expenses separately from personal funds.D-U-N-S Number: Register your business with Dun & Bradstreet to establish a business credit profile.

Almost everyone says you should invest in your work’s 401k, or open your own Roth or Ira.

Definitely what I was thinking and sounds like it can be done. 5.25-% rate on a 1.2$ house is definitely more appealing and opens doors up as opposed to 6.7+ rates.  

Then the more money you have, the more tiers of real estate open up.

I'm particularly interested in:Finding Mentors: Connecting with seasoned investors who can offer guidance and insights.Networking with Professionals: Meeting real estate agents, lenders, contractors, and other professionals who can contribute to successful deals.Exploring Joint Venture Opportunities: Collaborating with other investors on potential projects.Learning About Local Market Trends: Gaining a deeper understanding of the real estate dynamics in these areas.I'm open to attending local real estate meetups or cash flow groups.

Happy to help if you are open to it.