I am not a "free market, all the time" guy because there's no such thing - the ultimate free market, one without any regulations, is anarchy - but society definitely has to strike a reasonable balance between too much government influence on the psyche with the reasonable need to prevent society from descending into chaos through poverty and resource monopoly.

Just need to strike some good deals.

Right now, i'm pre-approved and am just waiting for the right deal to strike based on the providers I've chosen.For example:Risk of not analyzing deals correctly: I looked up all property tax rates by county myself.

So if you're getting a better ratio than the market(in good areas), you still should strike. 

As I drive by building/complexs I call the phone number and strike up a conversation with the property management company to ask questions.

100% agree with @Russell Brazil   Business is about hitting a lot of singles, doubles etc, it isn't about only striking out OR hitting homers...Hell, hit me with the ball, I would rather walk to 1st then sit in the stands...;)Seriously though, one of the TRUE powers of real estate is you take a OK deal or even a less than great/badish deal and add a few years and it becomes a great deal...time is your friend in rental properties.

However, it's important to strike a balance between specificity and not limiting future opportunities.

However, since parting ways with my partner, I'm striking out on my own and facing some challenges. 

If the thought of walking around the neighborhood at dusk strikes you as preposterous, you should not invest there. 

Ignore sob stories... or consider them as a strike against a person if they're trying to play on heartstrings to qualify.Congrats!!