This is an attainable goal for anyone, but you must buy right.

@Corby Goade Thank you for your advice on ignoring all the noise, and breaking it down into attainable steps.

Once you build a relationship with some lenders or other investors to form partnerships, thats when you will really start to see that it is all very attainable.

Are there other cities in the US where flipping is attainable with a decent spread currently?

We had just planned on attaining a loan from the bank for the eight-plex, but i would really like to purchase the entire block.

First, I would get a much information as you can, insomuch as what Christopher said, HUD homes are government owned properties commonly attained through some sort of government actions, i.e., probate, taxes liens, foreclosure etc.I have  no doubt once your get more information the you will put together a great package for an investor.Good luck.

The best we can do is make ourselves available, and engage our kids' minds in our endeavors as much as possible.Instead of trying to make your kids into RE investors like yourselves, teach them the concepts of pursuing passions, setting goals, and making deliberate choices to attain those goals.

Not sure that's the best strategy but cashflow seems much more attainable on paper. 

It was through an investor and I'm thinking about concentrating my efforts solely on attaining investor clients?  

From what I read from the DRE faq on this issue, the only option for me is to attain a minor in Real Estate somehow.