It can come naturally, or you can learn it through something more like a course. 

Being open minded to alternative ways to utilize RE is good business.

@Natalie Wells@Colin M.Of course, if you take a distribution from your retirement account you will have to pay the taxes and (likely) penalties.There are possible alternatives which would allow to you use these funds without paying taxes or penalties.First, you may wish to consider transferring the funds to a self-directed 401k or IRA which will allow you to invest in real estate without incurring taxes or penalties.

Location and the historical nature of the building

are there suggestions to alternative lenders that are more favorable to investment?

That way you don't have to have a unit vacant for any more time than it naturally is vacant.

Alternatively, I saw bungalows in the neighborhood have added the second bathroom in the basement.

My broker presented me with an alternative approach of seller-financing which has a very similar outcome - same down payment/option fee, same monthly, no deed.

Hope you find a better deal 😁Would be great to get an update on what kind of deal you ultimately come across as an alternative if you wouldn't mind.

When you put up an entire portfolio for sale, you're naturally cutting down your potential buyer pool to bigger investors.