My question is that due to numerous unfortunate circumstances, two properties that my partner and I purchased (through a program) were underscoped, and we cannot move forward financially.

The program is neither good nor bad, there's just different pros & cons compared to cash paying tenants.Have offered to schedule a call with you numerous times to try and assist you, but you seem to prefer posting & posting & posting - which will take so much longer:(What are the chances you'll actually invest someday, given how long it's taking you to do basic research?

First the obvious, look for wet areas around all of the pipes.

Starting small, like with a duplex, is a good way to get your feet wet and minimize risks.Good luck!

Can you buy a duplex in Arkansas and live in one side just to get your feet wet and make sure you like the area?

There have been numerous people on BP talking about how they paid application fees but they could never get their loans closed on any deal brought to the company.

I’ve reviewed a number of theses DST’s across numerous asset classes  and there performance /returns are generally fairly low and unimpressive. 

Quote from @Brandon Croucier: Quote from @Chris Seveney: They are more than a one man show - they are doing $10-12MM a year in lending (also have other parts of business) and have the people and systems in place includin g all above except the deal flow.How does one profitably run a PML company with numerous people only funding 10-12M a year?

And all properties need to be managed and supervised numerous times per year; giving residents the idea that no one is watching and/or no one cares will be a sure recipe for disaster. 

So, coming in to the real estate field with no capital it seems like a good first step to get my feet wet and get a better understanding of real estate investing as a whole.Since I will be on the buying side of the deal, obviously negotiating will be a big part of my job.