Its been 3 full weeks of calling everyday and emailing the customer service reps, but they are finding it impossible to get an answer from any of their field leaders. 

Do so much work and be so good that it would be irrational and impossible for him not to re-negotiate at 50/50.If losing you on the project means not finishing, I’m sure he’ll come to that conclusion.Less percentage person means it makes it easier for that person to step away for a better offer, he should understand that.

I know cash flow is nearly impossible, but I am even okay with paying a small share of rent while my roommates pay the major part.Otherwise, I am looking to buy at nearby market such as AZ, Utah or Nevada as an investment property around 200K$, for which I can afford the 20% down payment.

Don't be discouraged if they say it is "impossible".2) Look at investor cashflow loans from private money lenders.  

You have a few options1) wholesale the property and collect a few thousand dollars to help build toward buying a deal yourself 2) See if the seller will do a carry back of the total downpayment amount or a partial amount (assumes you can qualify for the loan)3) See if seller will 100% finance (chances are slim but not impossible)4) Borrow the downpayment from someone (assumes you can qualify for the loan)5) Bring in a partner on the deal and split the equity.

I don't care about cash flow, mainly about appreciation over the very long term, and finding a relatively urban place with businesses close by.I browse listings in Zillow, Redfin, etc frequently but the inventory is so low that it feels impossible to find a home.

The landlord would have to be able to prove they broke in somehow or prove they aren't tenants, which is impossible to do unless you have them on camera breaking in.  

I can see maybe having $2500/month cash flow at year 10 (I certainly would not project this as I want my projections to be conservative), but very unlikely (I will state unlikely enough that I place it as near impossible) to be able to average this cash flow over the first 10 years.  

Not impossible but very hard.

Telling my story. I've been in real estate for many years, and I have good credit, no evictions, and a down payment, and I can't find a property in my budget. If I do find a property within my budget, it's gone within...