That only leaves you with a few options.Change your buying criteria (price, location, property type, ect...)Stick to your criteria/wait (you will likely be left with the same results for awhile)Find a new approach to find deals (direct mail, REIA groups, working with an agent, ect...)Seems to me if you want to get in the game you will need to change something.

(For example, much lower fees, much more skin in the game, much more experienced sponsors, etc.).

I would just give a space heater or 2 and tell them they have to wait just like any other customer 

If you have to go with custom sizes, and need extra framing or lots of new trim work it can start to get pricey. 

We've been using Cozy for about four years and it's been a game changer for us.

I think the sweet spot is 4-5 bedrooms, 3-4 bathrooms, a fabulous Master Sweet (since they are likely footing the bill), sleeps 12 - 20, tons of activities (installed a pool table, corn hole game, etc...), and in my location of AZ a pool. 

You could certainly use your skills to subsidize your income while you break into the game.

If you want to do that in the RE world, you should explore wholesaling, that is the only way I am aware that you can still be in the game and network without having to have any money.

Building on Omar's good advice, I would say it is more difficult to succeed in investing without a game plan in mind.

Learning how to learn, relationship building, negotiation,  Marketing, sales, customer service and design are all skills that can applicable to any field or career.