To help in your search:be sure to find an accountant who is willing to grow with you, and is not too high priced fee-wise.

Been watching it for months now, but if that falls through, I'm hoping maybe there will be a shift in the market so we can use our money wisely elsewhere and kickstart our REI biz. 

Hey @Shannon Conklin, Given we are accountants, we cannot promote our services on BP as its against the rules.To help in your search:be sure to find an accountant who is willing to grow with you, and is not too high priced fee-wise.

To make wise investment selections, be aware of area trends, rental rates, vacancy rates, and property valuations.Keep in mind that investing in real estate is a journey, and there will be obstacles to overcome.

Long-Term Development:Local Metro: Ongoing development projects can positively impact property values over the long term. but probably wont increase at the same speed % wise as the more rural location.. maybe I'm wrong ill have to research now .. 

Quote from @James Wise: Quote from @Matthew Weaver: Well I guess the demand is there then..

So, if you're dealing with flaky sellers or shady partners looking for quick wins, it's wise to heed the OPs words.

A wise investor will not try to get rich quick with shortcuts.

Exploring alternative funding options is a wise approach given your situation.You mentioned your last resort could be borrowing from your 401k or Roth IRA.

Invest wisely and invest often.