@Connor Swanson You need to decide on what RE strategy you want to implement (buy&hold, fix&flip, etc...)

Already scheduled to take my RE sales license exam, but the goal is to eventually and gradually invest in RE.

I was told after posting this that in CO, it's a standard requirement on a standard form used by any licensed RE agent to disclose the intent of the purchase to the seller.  

@Parker Smith Welcome to the BP and RE Investing!

Then again,  I graduated 21 years ago so the entire process may be different.Nothing says you can't learn (about RE) and earn all you can while you're paying down debt.

To know, like, and trust is an overused real estate cliché, but we've run a successful business around it.Once you vet your borrower I strongly suggest you not try to re-invent the wheel.

Extensive work was done to the building with foundation repairs, HVAC, kitchen upgrades, and re-doing bathrooms.

.  ;-)... of course, you will need to re-invest 10K - 50K in many such properties.

I slowly began to re-seat myself back in my corporate role changing companies and being promoted providing that false security again. 

Maybe re-assess in 2 years from now and see where interest rates are, and that would still give you one year to act.