Therefore if you are contributing 40 hours a week at your W2 job you would need to be able to substantiate 41 hours a week in real estate.

I don't currently have major source other than my HELOC, recently invested a substantial portions I had in savings into Syndications.

Someone buying an existing business for a fair value MAY be able to build a substantial net worth.  

People who are self employed often have substantial expenses.

like i said before if one is buying turnkey and then sell after 4-5 years the capex would not hit you, or just buy with substantial discount.

It is imperative to evaluate the timeline for recuperating the substantial capital investment, especially if your goal is to expand your rental portfolio efficiently.While cash flow is undoubtedly significant, it should not overshadow other crucial factors in real estate investment.

I have been able to substantially increase the rents during this period of time with having not much of an impact on the tenants. 

I have been asked if it was a possibility several times and have never accepted however An argument can be made that there are some substantial benefits.

And if the veteran/seller isn't willing to carry a note and moonlight as a mortgage loan servicer, very quickly/aggressively filter out people who do not have substantial down payments (sales price - current loan balance = minimum down payment). 

If you are familiar with Syndications, that is the type of structure that requires an "existing and substantial relationship" with investors BEFORE soliciting them.