I am sure early on in your career you`ve made mistakes and trusted the wrong people/professionals, and I bet that didn't prove you a bad real estate professional.

What are some careers paths or jobs that allow me to pick up experience that will help in real estate investing while working for someone else? 

I’m a Marine veteran who has spent most of my 15 year professional career post service in project management across multiple industries like aviation, hospitality, tech, and CNC machining.

If you found a replacement tenant that he found suitable and moved them in before you entered in any unpaid portion of your lease, I would expect you to receive a full refund of the security deposit.I would check with the state laws and see how much you can sue him for in small claims court.

For conversation sake: It seems you are well into your career to be able to buy great properties and sell for great value/profit.

I don't know your entire situation, careers, commutes, etc., so only you can decide what fits your budget and your lifestyle best.  

Hey @Dan DeGroffBuying as an investment property with a 0.75-1.0% higher interest rate and needing to put a minimum of 20% down (its actually 15% but the rates are so much worse at 15% that its not really an suitable option) when the home would actually be your primary residence is brutal.Partership are a bad idea 80-90% of the time, but could work out in some scenarios.

I buy rental properties because I love the process and the hours I put in do not adversely affect my W2 career/time with my family which I enjoy even more.Find your WHY and then get that first deal done.

I'd suggest that you stabilize your career before you pull the trigger on your first investment.

Land zoning: L and XL lot sizes, only suitable for large, expensive homes2.) property type: single family only.