If you're just starting out, I would encourage you to find some local real estate investor groups that meet each month or so.

The best course of action might be to encourage your tenant to press charges if that is an option. 

If they really want the property and are willing to go conventional but their lender isn't getting the job done, please encourage them to shop lenders!

David Hald Two items from my point of view:1) I would encourage you to focus on finding the real estate first then worry about the financing.

If you have advice or encouragement, I would really appreciate it!

I would encourage your son to consider a school which is cheaper so that he does incur so much debt.

I was lucky to get out in 2007, when everyone was encouraging me to stay, and keep on flipping houses in an economy that would never stop booming by fair means or foul.

Even if you are planning on filling that role now I would encourage you and your attorney to do the diligence now on a successor trustee to take over when you no longer can or want to be trustee. 

Any suggestions or words of encouragement? 

That said, following up with the dr and letting the tenant know you will be doing so can help encourage tenants to be forthright with if this is a legitimate need.