Another sad thing observed.

Go to eviction court to observe so it isn't a mystery to you.

There have been recessions and bear markets.Yes, I would agree that the arrival of a flu pandemic on our shores was likely not the method by which the casual observer or even seasoned economists would have guessed as the trigger for our current economic situation.

In my observation, the "investors dream" of abundant opportunity was 2009 - 2011.

Go and observe but don't pay for whatever they are selling you; and they will be trying to sell you something.

Based on observed changes, are these folks dinosaurs destined for near-term extinction or will there always be a big part of the RE industry operating this way?

Well your question isn't simple, because if it is, there will already people giving simple guides to be a successful real estate investor on the internet but there are none except for all the "gurus".I understand that you want to learn to invest but based on my observation of your posts, you do not fit to be a investor, especially in real estate.You say a lot of things like "I mean can anyone out there just inbox me and help me out because there's so much to read and it seems it never ends" just because there you are flat broke?

Including being able to observe the other house when you or your people are at one of the houses.  

From the buyers end I've observed (or more accurately been told during my own loan experiences) the decision can take minutes or hours up to a few days depending on whether the underwriter is in house or not (or out of the office or has a tummy ache).

Observation windows overlook each floor so mothers can study or eat or talk while they watch the kids in the center.