Once I just into this game I was surprised about how many people in my circles were involved in REI in some way or another.

I wouldn't be surprised to see vacancies of 45-60 days for areas that have lower demands. 

Aren't you spending $65k (+ the surprises) more than it's worth?

Also all of the appraisers seem very conservative when they look at something you have bought recently.You may get lucky and they give you the value you are looking for, I'm just saying don't count on it and don't be surprised when they return an appraisal of $110k...

FINALLY, in February I got news of 2 new tenants moving in AND TO MY SURPRISE – I GOT BACK RENT from October 2015 to February 2016 ($1350 for each month of vacancy).

There's nothing wrong with that lifestyle, but if money isn't a priority for you then you shouldn't be surprised when you don't have much of it. 

They ruin their name and reputation.I am really surprised you said we were using high pressure sales, maybe you haven’t been exposed to real High Pressure sales.

OK this is quite simple.your purchase price is 391k  seller pays the lien from their proceeds.. 203k gives you the 50k for rehab you move in..Are you not being represented by a competent RE broker.. this is really remedial real estate and not complicated at all.. and these things are handled daily as you would be surprised how many sellers have title that looks like a rap sheet   LOL.

There's PLENTY I don't know but this really took me by surprise.

I don't mean to go against the grain of those who are selling that idea - all I can say is that it did not work for me.So.......... back to taking seminars, buying cassette tapes and books - I wanted to learn everything I could about investing in real estate ---- so--I had to get money, working capital, and I needed to go on the cheap - A friend told me about cheap properties you could buy in Baltimore - houses for only $2-3,000 and many of them could be found at public auctions.After borrowing some money and getting some credit cards and a new job - one in sales - I was ready - ready to invest in cheap- junk properties in the City.And wouldn't you know it - I got lucky at my first auction and purchased a cheap house that was boarded up - Because of all those expensive seminars I enrolled in I WAS READY - prepared with my pry-bar, flash light, level, marble and probe - I decided to go to this building that was being auctioned the next day - I sort of removed some plywood and crawled through a window to take a look -Boy was I surprised - this place looked great - I later found out that the estate boarded it to keep squatters out.The next day - I was ready with my deposit and waiting for the auctioneer to start his melodious hypnotic chant - 5 bidders appeared but did not bid because they could not get it - I was the only bidder and got the house real cheap.Today as an auctioneer, investor and developer of commercial properties - if someone would ask my opinion on how to get started I would suggest ---Continue to study but learn how to cut through the BSGet a credit line Learn 20 creative financing techniques - no money down systems (that is none of your own money)Hang with a few successful investors and pick - pick - pick their brain*** Look at 50 houses in the area you intend to invest (not expensive, blue collar, mixed rental and home owner neighborhoods)When you are finished looking at 50 properties - you will be armed with knowledge that most agents and other investors don't have - knowledge of values -Keep a journal, put listings in it, write down everything the agent or owner says, keep a record of the cost per square foot - this will help determine values -Have agents send you expired listings - go knock on the door or send a letter to ask if they are still accepting offers on the property - Remember an expired listed is a property that failed to sell - the seller should still be motivated to sell.