I wouldn't write off Zillow/MLS deals entirely - off market happens but it's just way more rare than you think and many good deals can still be found online.

Experience Purchasing from Non-ProfitsPurchasing property from non-profit organizations often involves additional considerations compared to typical transactions:Decision-making process: Non-profits often have a board or committee that must approve property sales.

Quote from @Jin Zhang: You initiate the process by filing a 3-day Notice.

Do one task at a time in each app to compare apples to apples.Load a property with pictures and details.Market that property.See what your marketing looks like from the public's perspective.Submit a fake application to see how easy the process is.

I would look into the process of making that legal space.

I decided to work with them but this turned into a long process of approximately 6 months. 

As @Eli Konig mentioned above, going into RE right now without a lot of experience and without knowledge of a local market I think makes TK a decent beginning option.I've been in communication with REI and going through their process right now.

Hi Jonathan,Jay’s Fencing (209-847-3992), Elite Iron Fencing (209-968-6685), and Fletcher Fencing (209-662-8298) are solid options to get bids from and compare.I also offer consulting services to help clients navigate projects like this—whether it’s evaluating bids, ensuring the scope of work is clear, or helping you avoid potential issues during the process.

What process reduces the payoff by 12 years?  

Given how the housing authority does their rent price determination on individual units, and government ran programs are never beacons of efficient processes, it can go either way.Note, the examples I speak of only relate to C-Class and below areas.