We shared our passion and talked about our projects and she mentioned that she had done some new construction with the help of civil engineer cum contractor and budget wasn't too high.

Together we were able to qualify for a conventional morgage on a great building, giving me a great opportunity to continue my passion as a real estate investor.While attempting to qualify for the loan I learned a couple things.

Maybe have a BBQ Party every couple of months.Invite people you know and those you have just met.On the buy day for the food, text them to see if they are going to be there or not.Don't talk business, just have fun.Just make sure everyone has a seat available in the shade--that Texas sun can get hot.Maybe get a couple of friends to be grill masters.Talk to your tax expert to see if you can deduct this (or not).Work at expanding the number of new people every BBQ and in a few years you will have a much bigger circle of friends.The trick is to invite people who share your passion for real estate vs just your buddies.You can make it a family invite where the can bring their kids, meaning an afternoon party vs an all night booze binge (remember this is business).https://www.youtube.com/watch?

Or, if real estate is your passion, would you have skipped being a MD, attorney, engineer, middle manager, ad man, etc. and gotten a college degree in real estate, or started a first job in real estate?

I’ve generated 20-40% (IRRs) for last 20 years on virtually all deals, with a 5% assumed appreciation rate (which has materialized on all sold assets.This is a good choice IF real estate investing is your passion and you enjoy it.  

I think we may need to reevaluate our tact and go after the properties that have been sitting for awhile that we have a reasonable chance of getting.Plan is to get a couple STRs going and start working on some passion projects. 

I’ve always been passionate about real estate and the opportunities it can create from a financial standpoint.The owners/landlords of my unit have offered to sale me my unit for $165k.

Although you mention a backup plan, I'll assume you have a passion for real estate and are looking at this as a long-term career/business.  

Greetings Kevin,I am Sam and I live in Southern New Jersey.. which is also a challenging market.. that's why I am also looking to get my start in Toledo, Ohio as well :)  I have 2 older children and my son is my passion, doing this FOR him, but not with him unfortunately.. 

I have a passion for renewable energy and real estate investing as well and wanted to merge the two.