You bet it is lower risk than being on the equity side.

I can provide him with an online log in so he can review the books from his office.

The best way to connect and learn is to be in rooms where it's going down.In terms of captial your best bet is to focus on a primary income that cash flow sufficiently, saving as much as you can and doing something real estate related so you can get familiar with the industry.

It is not very difficult or complicated to evaluate commercial real estate, there are plenty of good books available that can teach you how, textbooks, online courses, community college classes, even excellent youtube videos etc, and it is actually quite enjoyable in the process to learn.

You can find online which larger institutions are buying in a specific area and try and reach out to them.

Your best/safest bet would be a regular lease combined with an option to purchase.

If you have deep pockets, I think Austin will eventually reward you, but if you are a newbie in real estate looking to cash flow positive day one or shortly thereafter, Austin is probably not your best bet in TEXAS.  

Look for your states offer to purchase contract online or contact a realtor to get a blank copy. review the agreement to be sure assignment is not expressly excluded. if there is nothing excluding assignment from the contract then writing the words "/And or Assigns" after the name or company's name on the buyer's line should be sufficient.Good luck!

Usually its a safer bet.

Dumb question - but are these auctions online only, or in-person?