Some operator takes some pity on me and says I can do some of this expedited and in person but only at Lake Zurich, Mount Prospect or Springfield walk in. 

Typically someone who was communicative turns distant, unresponsive, blows you off when you're trying to talk to them in person, and the tall tale sign of boxes in the hallway.

I know some will differ here but I will offer my personal opinion like many others have.

Personally I think this is where a lot of sale lease back programs fail the seller.

That could work if you find the right person.

If you close with a conventional loan, it will need to be in your personal name.

Also, there’s much to delve into on of those scenarios, like what type of cashflow or investment do you want, etc. residential, multi-res, small multi-res, commercial, industrial, etc.There seems to be fewer deals around these days and this typically benefits the more experienced and skilled investors but there are always multiple investors that get “tripped-up” in these markets due to them relying on recent “fortunate” market circumstances only to realize the markets cycle and they weren’t prepared or didn’t underwrite properly to account for unforeseen potential.There are more considerations, but this is a start.

I've consistently written about the forces of nature and her current and future effects on the real estate market (even while often being ridiculed and politicized on this very site for it) regardless: I personally moved and invested in coastal Oregon in 2018 from Venice Beach Los Angeles partly as a result of the trajectory of climate and have assisted several clients that specifically purchased on the Oregon Coast for their own 'climate havens,' investment and future retirement homes. 

Personally, I like to use Notion for this type of task, but I'm sure there will be others on here that will recommend Monday.com, ClickUp, or Asana.

If you need more to do the rehab, perhaps instead of partnering, you could get your former boss to do a personal loan.