However, given my financial situation, I am searching for the path of least resistance, and set up some short-term wins, that will give me the motivation to continue and work towards my ultimate goal. 

I'm here because I literally don't understand all the ins and outs of it all and it would be nice for me to learn something so I make a good decision and don't just take the path of least resistance.

However, Self-Storage is VERY recession resistant in a downturn, and has the lowest loan default rate compared to all other asset classes. 

Meanwhile, consider the smart strategy is to own quality real estate that produces recession resistant cash flow.

Like if it's listed on MLS, there are already provisions in place to compensate the buyers agent, so there is less resistence to work with a buyers agent.

Some have home age and insulation and wind resistance requirements too.

He wants me to just take over his loan, but I am hitting resistance with lenders. 

I would think this premium service must meet high buyer resistance.

He was extremely resistant to throw out a number, but after a few minutes of talking back and forth, he told me to give him a few days while he ran through some numbers and he'd get back to me with an initial asking price.

I also could not resist from welcoming you since I saw you're from Cedar Rapids, and there is a movie that came out named Cedar Rapids.