While the market can go up or down in either investment, Real Estate is the only one of the two that offers income opportunities through rental income, that stocks don't, and can often help ride out the storm of market fluxes.Also, the Greater Phoenix market (that includes Scottsdale) historically nets 65K+ Californians per year. 

However, I find myself uncertain about how to structure such deals and whether I could successfully secure them.I was wondering if you could offer any recommendations for educational resources that might help me better understand and navigate the intricacies of creative finance and seller finance deals.

Large apartment complexes flooded the market with inventory and are offering crazy incentives and amenities that crush the small landlord which can make finding a tenant challenging and often for less than market rent. 

From a tax perspective, rental properties offer benefits such as depreciation deductions, 1031 exchanges, and potential short-term rental (STR) tax loopholes to offset W-2 income.

It all started when my wife's college friend offered me an opportunity to invest in a commercial property.

Karin,I know I’m a bit late to this post, but I’d like to offer some advice for your future investments.

There's a post right above mine from a lender... there's always a lender offering $$$ even when people can't afford it. 

I got no other offers in the 45 days it was listed.

If someone offered to finance this house to you at your current rates if you put down $250k would you do it?

I never put my time into finding buyers unless I had something to offer.