Once you see how great you really have it, then you can start moving in the right direction.There have been countless stories of people starting out much much worse (in a position that would make you look like a king) that have persisted through life, against all odds, and become idols that millions of people look up to.Sorry to be a little harsh there but I just wanted to give you some "tough love" and hopefully motivated and inspire you a little.

Frankly zillow/trulia/realtor.com/redfin and countless others can send you listings meeting your requirements. 

I've watched countless videos, bought programs, and even considered becoming an agent.

Your time is valuable and with massive mailings you'd me working on that for countless hours.What was it you were looking to mail?

There are countless threads plus a thread literally stickied at the top on this exact topic ;)https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/93/topics/541...

I was taking 18 credits with a 30 hr/week job while house hacking (renovating my duplex) that i bought my junior year. i was also already engaged. there was a big separation and i missed countless parties and gatherings so that i could either work or renovate. you end up finding friends who have similar goals as you and today, they are still the best friends ever. we congratulate each other, push each other, and win together. meanwhile, others take longer to get there and thats ok too but its just not me and doesnt sound to be you either.

I recently sold a property that I had previously received countless pieces of mail for.

As @Will Barnard stated many of these guys have wasted countless hours over the past several years on deals that never closed.There are a lot of retail jobs out there right now and i'd guess that 3-4 retail jobs are about as profitable as 8 investors flips.

There are countless properties (likely out of market) that cost less than that, so that alone speaks to why the number doesn't make sense.Beyond that, you can invest using techniques like partnering where you come in with little to no cash of your own.  

Within those 8 years, I have studied real estate on the side; books, podcasts, coffee with real estate agents/investors, lunch with hard-money lenders, and countless BP YouTube videos.