He himself bought properties in 80s and in the 90s turned all of the lots into Apt buildings.In other words, the guy was really wealthy and go lucky to be in Williamsburg, one of the highest appreciating neighborhoods in all of America.This is more analogous to the Billionaire Robert Smith who paid off all of the loans for Graduates from Morehouse in his class, including their Parent's loans.Personally, I think if you are going to give Charity, give it to those that are struggling or at least give a Means Test to distribute the money so that you don't give it away to people that really don't need it as much as others that are struggling.Better to donate the money to a good cause than to arbitrarily give it to people whether or not they need it.

Beyond my personal cash available to lend out I have wealthy investors who love the idea, but this is where my experience waivers.

“How many millionaires do you know who have become wealthy by investing in savings accounts?

He/we have saved so many people money (and made people very wealthy!) 

Nothing wrong with financial discipline but nobody ever got wealthy without taking on some debt.

Like you I plan to begin in multi families and commercial real estateA book I just finished that provided much information and resources is a book by Don Pebbles: Path to building real estate wealth. I

It's in a fairly wealthy suburban village and 5,000 sf total including the basement.

If a landlord truly needs a monthly rent payment immediately to stay afloat I would hope someone would help them whether it be a wealthy friend, family member or the government. 

The kind that might ebb and flow in value but still build your wealth.  I

First step of accumulating wealth is having knowledge of what business you are going to.