She was my naysayer and it has hampered me from doing anything sizably important.

Loans on property will make you stressed and your creativity will hampered.

He accompanies me when we deliver food hampers/meals - he still does not really "get it", but it will come.

Once its foreclosed you have to wait and get in line, some times the realtor will make it a pocket listing, basically give it to one of their friendly investors. you can always negotiate a short pay on the 2nd and with the seller still on title your wiggle room and closing concessions are not hampered by the bank.

The downside, as I found out just today, is that my plans to get involved in the off-mls area might be hampered by the fact that there is a lot of competition for deals due to low inventory.

It does make me think the price may not be as great and if you're inspection opportunity is hampered, then I'd skip it all together.

This will drive more traffic, as there are many self-employed or people wanting to buy but held back by previous foreclosure/BK timelimites, divorce, etc hampering them from getting traditional financing, and if you're wanting to rent it again quickly, and sell eventually, this would be a good strategy for maximizing your cashflow during the turn.

Investment is not black and white; burning bridges as someone new to the investment world will hamper your ability to expand. 

Nuclear war could also hamper your rental efforts.You bring up a fair macro concern, but the old adage applies -- diversify.

Bill benefits and that's hampering your options.