I want to build something special for my kids and secure a future for us all so that I will never be where I was 2 years ago.

Thus far I have read a few books, practiced analyzing properties, scoured Zillow, Craigslist & the MLS, spent hours on BP and secured a HELOC.

Try mortgage - it's the pledge of your property as security for the note (loan).

Straight off the MLS vs off-market, finding a seller on your own before it's officially for sale.The MLS is the multiple listing service, where an agent/broker/realtor has been retained by a seller. 

Considering the fact that household debt levels are coming back to 2006-7 levels and retail is in the process of going down the drain, I think we’re going to see a reckoning in R/E and associated securities."

Of course screen everyone It’s amazing how fast they pay up after their kids damage a house above the security deposit including paying me extra for my time and loss of rental income after they move out

Man this is a complicated question lol, Dodd-Frank has restricted overall loan making by banks making it much more difficult for smaller businesses and new investors to secure favorably priced loans.

I have read that it will be nearly impossible to secure load from abroad.

I asked for 30 days DD and seller responded "no".This is an off-market (as far as MLS) property.My response would have been "Bye"30 days is reasonable to do an inspection, review estoppel letters and leases, secure financing (if necessary) and close title. 

I am VERY new to the game (just officially licensed yesterday) but I have been reading a lot on BP since I started the RE journey 8-9 months ago.