This concept aims at addressing the challenges of what to do with defunct suburban malls and maybe even empty big-box retail store spaces that are in desirable and affordable neighborhoods.

Prices are through the roof in this current market with low inventory and single and multi family properties just don't pencil out.

If you want low, safe returns that are truly passive, invest in the stock market.  

I'll throw in my 2 cents on common differences I've seen in my career:CDFIs - Because of their subsidized financing structure, they have the ability to be a low cost lender (and sometimes provide grants).

He took a 401(k) loan to fund the down payment on a four-unit building in a rapidly appreciating neighborhood.

It is harder to find good information if the forum is cluttered with low value information. 

With their low income and it's unlikely they'll get a better paying job.

I will follow the advice here to keep high deductibles and low premium and save the premium for any contingencies later.

Second, the insurance is $1.5k which seems to be low as well. 

I think they contain solid information and will help lay a good foundation as a beginner (Haha, I'm completely new to real estate as well, btw)I'm also going to be reading the following books, and hopefully I can finish all by the end of this month:1) The ABCs of Property Management2) The Advanced Guide to Real Estate Investing3) Long-Distance Real Estate Investing How to Buy, Rehab, and Manage Out-of-State Rental Properties (this might be the most important one to me personally)4) The Book on Investing in Real Estate with No (and Low) Money DownIn addition to reading, I'm consuming crazy amounts of youtube videos, and I'recommend you do this as well.