So, I'm a new poster here, but have worked in the mortgage industry for the past 18 years, as well as pursued my own RE investments (good and bad)... to previous points in the thread, I've always been fond of the thought that, after 2008, "Closing loans is a team sport"...it takes many hands to make a deal work in and around the actual loan. 

I think the first thing you need to do is narrow down your search by identifying exact what type of investment you are pursuing and then study the crap out of very specific sub markets.

In the meantime I am positioning myself by studying online to take and get my RE license, pursuing a managerial position w/Federal Civil Service to supplement my pension.

Would urge you to develop your knowledge and firm up your investment criteria before deciding what route to pursue.

Are there times where people have and have not pursued this technique?

Update: Probably not going to pursue the property that needed this work for multiple reasons. 

(If you are going to pursue it, take me with you!

Or just advice before pursuing the deal .

See what types of clientele these parks attract and decide if it's something you want to pursue. 

However, what I would do in your position as a newbie is to take some time and seriously analyze what niche of real estate investing you would like to pursue.