Cash for keys is like a failed government program: throw more money at it and hope the problem goes away.If you take on Section 8 tenants, it would be wise to understand the program.

.: BiggerPockets Ultimate Beginners Guide (free) and The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss (although it's no longer in print, you can find used copies).

I’m also a government employee and have used a loan ($50k) to cover the rehab of a property.I don’t see it as an all in thing, as a fed, you are working towards a pension, social security, still putting in 10% into a 401k (with employer match)  and have a regular w2 income as long as you want to hang around.

Why do you think purchase contracts are so long and have such small print?

People are still dealing with the challenges from COVID, government policy responses and the inflation that resulted. 

I would get the list of owners from a local title rep you use, then take that to the local printing shop (all-in-one).

The city's ongoing cultural and economic resurgence, supported by proactive local government incentives, enhances property values and attracts a growing population.

As the local governments struggle to manage tax payer money responsibly, they should really offer incentives to private builders to build "income restricted" at a much lower price. $220-$300/ft for vertical build costs.  

ha This is a real liability, the government originates most of its cases through "testing" which is to say contacts with landlords where they pose as potential tenants.

Know that it will cost you probably $3,000+ just in closing costs to buy whatever you buy (all just dependent on the price and what the fees are for your government and lender.)