There is no way I could afford anything like that but I wish I could get a small percentage of ownership if I help broker a deal and see that the place is managed properly.

Every few years this will get talked about and so I thought it would be a good idea for us to cover this right here and now.

I could go on, but you get the idea - make a priority list and spend money on that.

I need assistant or advise on the feasibility of one of my crazy ideas.

definitely would agree with John + Bree that light rehabs are recommended for first time investors that are just starting out so you can slowly dip your feet into the water and get a better idea of comps and what needs to be done. 

You'll need to do the latter to properly create the former. 

WAY too many Agents who are unfprofessional, not trained or mentored properly and just doing this part time to write contracts without seeing homes. 

What Ive come across lately, though, is a lot of new investors who want to get in the game, but don't have the discretionary income needed to properly manage negative cashflow.

The answer is going to be "it depends" as if it goes to court they will see if your neighbor had taken proper action to protect his property and the same will happen with yours. 

I worked directly with them and for them and I can tell you they have no idea what they are doing.