I'm going to rule out lease option as they often don't work and are a pain, and can be legally tricky sometimes.If you rent it out for $675, you have to budget for expenses in addition to your PITI.

Please share more about the types of building you are seeking to invest in.

You may want to consider even using a FHA Renovation Loan and seeking out a fixer upper.I cannot agree with you anymore that people like @Jay Hinrichs are extraordinary resources.

The key is if you are working on something that will eventually lead you to the greater things you are seeking.

I feel your pain here.

In order for a Mortgagee to seek a deficiency against the borrower the foreclosure must be judicial.  

Judging from the responses you pretty much have all you need to hit the ground and start searching. 16 months ago, it took me 6 months of sometimes painful grinding to locate a duplex suited my needs in Los Angeles.

I will be sure to read/view them as I seek to gain as much knowledge as possible and start this new career on the right path.BTW, I noted that you are from NY but have a GA telephone number.  

A good way to help your agent out is to tell them about properties you find, even if you're not interested, that gives them an opportunity to seek listings.

The real estate development I seek is primarily on the residential side.