There were great suggestions, ideas etc.  

I'm sure I'm no different in some respects than many other newbies, I just want some ideas on the process of creative financing or maybe how to partner with someone else.

I do think partnering might be a good idea for you, especially if you're somewhat limited on capital.

They are far better at tenant selection than the average landlord that screens a few people per year.Efficient Rent Collection & Enforcement: I spend a ridiculous amount of time answering questions from investors that have no idea how to handle late rent, unpaid rent, and other pay issues.

The point about the "trailer trash" mentality is that it makes it easy to dismiss tenants as undeserving, uneducated, undesirable.  

Quote from @John Key: Quote from @Ray Hage: I had already thought dropping 5 figures into these "mastermind" programs was a bad idea and now, I think it is even worse based on what I read in this thread.

I want to start building our portfolio and would love some experienced help with direction.Over the past ten years, it seems like I've had numerous deals/ideas that just didn't come to fruition and I'm just feeling a bit defeated. 

If you think you can manage a mortgage, taxes, insurance and the upkeep of a home while paying your student loans then buying is not  bad idea but if you think you will overstretch yourself renting is nto bad either.

Any model ideas?

Padsplit seems like a neat idea to me, but seems expensive.