The success rate will hinge largely on location, type of property, and cost of property.

Good luck, you are a busy man with school, family and baseball.Likely your best bet is house hacking (if your partner and child are willing to share housing). 

Although the property is worth way more than the loan we are needing and the secured collateral lien is really a sure safe bet and some easy money for someone willing to take the chance that isn't in it for anything other than to flip their money for profit/wanting to add to their portfolio, this would be an good opportunity for someone just starting out in real estate investment even.

Your best bet is probably to get your real estate license and start actively being a real estate professional or buy a STR in your market that you can physically be at on a regular basis. 

You bet it is lower risk than being on the equity side.

The quicker you can take action on the high dollar value decsions the quicker you will be able to grow.For sure take the time to setup the right foundation, but keeping it simple and easy when you are getting going is a safe bet!

If you have a lease with this tenant that allows them the dogs, you can still say they are in violation of the lease, I'll bet, by something in the lease that says they aren't to bother the neighbors or cause any disturbances, etc.

These are big money plays life changing profits but RISK you bet..

   #4 Is great and I bet this one can lead to many successful closed deals. 

Betting on future price appreciation and equity growth is just that "betting".