How did you over come it?

Work through your learning and problem solving TOGETHER, in a methodical manner:what's the problem to be solved (and each should not be compounded with extra conditions).list all possible solutions you can find (without discarding any due to bias, personal business ideas or obvious negative effects).then find and list all pro+con issues related to that solution you can.SAVE your work in a binder for quick access later and to visibly demonstrate just how far you both have come.There's no rocket science in REI, but limited exposure to business concepts, contracts, accounting, marketing can ALL be overcome and your partnership will grow as a result.

What challenge did they overcome with financing the first few deals and how did they overcome?

It can require extreme effort and hard thought to overcome.

Even for those wanting to be full time, overcoming the lack of experience and getting their first deals behind them is the toughest.But, with that being said, here is the approach I took (and I'll have to admit, I had a little advantage - a degree in RE and had just gotten my brokers license, and had several years of buy/fix/hold behind me).

Ive taken on challenges, overcome obstacles, added onto my work load so I can learn and grow as person.

I can find videos of people using tools on Defiant and Schlage locks also... so unless you are completely bulletproofing your property I think it's pointless to worry that there are "tools" out there that can overcome a specific doorknob. 

Some of the most inspiring stories are from those that have overcome obstacles to be successful, and are moving up the ladder.

You will have to overcome a natural bias against you due to your age.

While the market might be able to over come the cost issue (if rents are high enough), the zoning is typically the killer.