Learning from agents commonly working with investors is your next opportunity to find a mentor.To be honest, I wouldn't try to find a mentor from random investors on the internet.

Trying to scale is a RISK proposition.  

The loan officer should be asking you about the title company you are using for the title search and the closing.The scammer is going to try and explain away some upfront fee of $300 to get the ball rolling. 

I have a son in a similar situation, he went 6 months trying to get decent work and had other issues.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

The problem with trying to invest $500,000 is you really can't use the same strategies you use with $50,000 and be effective.When I was buying SF houses I could buy them (using hard money) for $25K out of pocket. 

You could try to chat with some people on campus and maybe even set some flyers up in or around the stadium. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

Unpopular opinion since I know you're trying to buy the next property, but keeping your equity in a deal is gold.

I have been investing for 4 years and have tried both local and national banks and haven't had any experiences to write home about.