Quote from @Michael Challenger: I have no qualms with hard money lending, but I need to learn more about the process and structure to these for typical deals so that I am more comfortable and in a position to reduce my personal risk and risk to investors as much as possible.

Of course, all channels can work.. from seller financing to foreclosures.. but from my 30+ years in real estate, I’ve found focusing on cash flow analysis tends to pay off more reliably.So here’s the big question that might help steer your next steps.. what do you think would make landlording less stressful for you.. a property manager, or maybe a smaller property until you get more comfortable?

Depending on comfort and cash, it might be a viable option as you can build equity and then sell without having capital gains, assuming it's your primary residence and you've lived there for 2 years.

Hi Sean, I wouldn't rush into anything that you are not comfortable with the numbers.  

If so maybe research who financed those deals since they're likely already comfortable with that concept in your market.

As@Chris Seveney suggested, being a private money lender can be pretty passive once you find the operator and asset you feel comfortable with.

As such, I’ve focused my research on out-of-state opportunities, particularly in the Midwest and other promising markets.In order for me to comfortably leave my W-2 job, I would need to secure no less than $350,000 annually, as that supports the lifestyle we’ve grown accustomed to.

Whether that's mobile home parks or any other kind of commercially valuated endeavor is a matter of personal comfort and preference.

If you and your wife are on the same page, I say absolutely go for it.Don't worry about the naysayers telling you to invest out of state if that's not something you're comfortable with right now.

I went from barely breaking even to walking away with a very comfortable profit.This experience taught me two critical lessons:Never give up when the situation looks bleak.