I have done a handful of flips using cash, partnering with friends, and making it work. 

I personally know both @Jaclyn Cano and @Wale Lawal and can confidently say both are great and VERY Investor friendly!

It will cut down on the fake accounts created to promote certain individuals, markets etc.

Keep grinding it out my friend. 

I would say however that if you are looking to buy rentals then the landlord tenant laws are not landlord friendly. 

Baltimore is too tenant friendly!

Specifically, I am looking at partnering with an individual who owns securities (stock and mutual funds) having them take out a line of credit against their portfolio (SBLOC) at a low interest rate, and using that to purchase properties rather than using a mortgage.

Find a partner, find co-workers/friends/relatives you wouldn’t mind living with, find a property you can buy for less than your current rent.

A friend of mine had a similar journey - they turned their old home into a rental property and soon realized they loved managing tenants and exploring ways to add value.

Hey @Aaron Price, I think the best way you can get started in real estate is to reach out to local investor-friendly agents in your market.