We rent single family homes, so we have a conversation about yard maintenance, snow removal etc - have you don't this before, do you have the tools etcI also bring up house cleaning questions, by telling them we had a tenant who did not own a vacuum cleaner, did not know how to run a dishwasher, had a mess in the basement etc - and then see how they respond.That is a non-offensive way to talk about house cleaning and you'd be surprised how different the responses are.

Make sure you are given more jobs, are seen as being affiliated with the firm or investor and get them to set up a compensation structure where you are a stake holder in the property for your efforts.

Lender has risk if as @Chris Seveney mentioned buyer puts a second behind your first  this causes the first lender to have to go through a full foreclosure to remove the second in a default scenario. 

Private lenders, often individuals or small firms, are another option.

To thrive in real estate investing, you must maintain a firm grip on your finances.

My water usage bill is the same,  general lability coverage is the same, if and when I have to replace my water service line it will cost the same, the cost for my lawncare and snow removal costs the same, exterminating services cost the same and the list goes on.   

It was amusing to see her realize that her rental properties were outperforming the 401(k) she had through her job at the law firm.

I believe it would be irresponsible to remove Lane's ability to post to the forums, as that would remove his ability to defend himself.

You may be able to sign up with a firm and do remote, ad-hoc work as needed or when you have time. 

Create more land or remove population, that's the only tangible long-term solution.