You've certainly got other voices in the room on this chain, but since I am local and going through this myself, thought I would pass along another option. 

They invest in relationships that are not supportive and I strongly desire to be a vending machine full of gold to others around me that want to deposit a quarter into my future success.  

Finished basementsSometimes you can strike gold when you find a property in an area zoned for single family homes that has a finished basement that’s been converted into a separate living areas.

Airbnb is the next gold rush.

The gold standard I'm seeing in my area (TB) with 15% down (turnkey) and under $350k is around $1000/mo net profit after operating costs, PITI and PM fees.

A fence that just falls over because of a few rotted 4x4s or chain link posts doesn't cost $10k to stand back up.

So far, I have read almost all of Robert Kiyosaki's books, played the cashflow game, purchased some gold and silver, and am currently reading Ken McElroy's book "The ABC's of Real Estate Investing."

The man with the gold makes the rules. 

Secondly, he's trying to focus on his need for an investment and the needs of his clients in year two while struggling to make income -- he's playing tug of war with himself.All that glitters is not gold. 

Who knows, you may find hidden gold in this experience man!