Some banks are actively looking for the non-conforming loans. 

He is a wealth of knowledge on the area and is actively investing locally as well.

There are a handful of active agents here on BP in the Portland area (including my business partner and I) who would be good places to start.

Cash for keys is definitely the best way to get people out in the day when I was very active at court houses steps cash for keys was by far the best way to get folks to move and bad tenants in a state with bad eviction laws to me would be the preferred method. you simply pay them when they are leaving the house not before.. that works fine and you give them more than 1k .. you make it worth their while..

Many opt for other investing methods in their SDIRA like private lending, crypto, private equity...anything except collectibles and life insurance.Note that a Solo 401k is exempt from UBIT on leveraged real estate so if you have self employment activity and no full time employees save for you and your spouse you should consider the Solo K as an option. 

I am in a pickle right now because my mom is turning 80 and not very active.

Personally that is what I wanted, an active mentor. 

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.

You can look up comparable rents on active zillow for rent listings or on Rentometer.3.

Stop hanging out with your deadbeat buddies who spend all day drinking, talking sports, and otherwise wasting away.