Another claimed that he had temporary credit issues but I found judgments that just fell off his credit report, demonstrating long-term financial issues rather than a temporary issue. 

I am simply asking for good resources that demonstrate the good investor and wholesalers can provide for a burdened buyer.  

Then make the payments no matter what.Short sales are only possible with an owner who is behind on payments and can demonstrate financial hardship.  

You should be able to document that fortunate accident and had other things like written communication, the lease itself, your past practice etc all demonstrating that your intent was to hold.  

This is demonstrated by showing you pay your rent, utilities, loans, etc on time.

We look for things like motivation and willingness to learn.One way Experienced Investors judge to work with Novice Investors is to see if the Novice Investors prove their motivation.Novice Investors Posting that you would love to meet Experienced Investors and hoping that the OP of this thread will pick up the reins and coordinate a group meeting with a good mix of both Experienced and Novice Investors will only demonstrate to Experienced Investors that they will probably not want to work with that particular Novice Investor(s).Although I'm breaking a rule by pointing out to Novice Investors a simple fix to prove their motivation, I just have to say it.When you don't have much to bring to the table AND you wish to network with Investors that bring a lot to the Table, then you have to use what is in your power to attract those that can benefit you.

To prove this, you must be able to demonstrate that you have a substantive, pre-existing relationship with every investor before you make them an offer to invest.

You would need some seasoning as individuals in order to demonstrate that you intended to hold the property for rental, investment or business use as individuals.

.- When I have enough demonstrated commitment and effort and find a way to bring value to the table, I would really like to find someone who is willing to mentor me, in return for whatever assistance I can be in whatever way possible.  

Don't just ask someone to be your mentor; offer something of value, demonstrate that value, and then ask for assistance.