Home equity, all cash, traditional finance are all options I'm open to.I was thinking about paying all cash for a condo that needs updating but is in a great neighborhood.

You could sell it traditionally and pay the back taxes and liens at settlement. 

@Erik Stark I hear you 100%, I'm not one to run to the gurus and their flashy signs and promises of getting rich quick.

I would like to purchase a foreclosed duplex which is "home path" and reside in one, and rent the other unit. How can I get funding for this deal? I have been self employed and don't prove the income necessary for a b...

Mark Schow is a friend of mine who was the head of his state mortgage association, he did thousands of investment loans for "Rich Dad, Poor Dad" clients and was one of the largest reverse mortgage brokers in the country. 

Buy and hold is the get rich slowly scheme,  but it is a really lucrative in the long run if ou buy right and successfully manage.  

You won't be rich next month and it wont be easy but everything works if you stick with it long enough and are consistent.

It will depend on when her license went inactive and if she has kept up on her continuing education...she may end up having to take the classes again but if she calls the board they will be able to tell her what the requirements are.As far as joining a brokerage for investment purposes and not wanting to do the full "traditional" residential sales, I'm sure they exist.  

Does anyone have a similar experience where you have rolled over your traditional 401k into a Solo 401k/IRA and invested in RE?  

Santa Rosa is too rich for my blood at this point, but I wish you the best of luck!