Does anyone have specific advice on how to proceed (aside from I should not have put myself in this position?) 

I am still in the process of understanding how it works but I want to start investing in cash-flow positive properties.

In terms of wholesaling you need to be close on your rehab estimate but you do not need to be exact, I'd say its more important to be positive you have a deal and more about presenting a range of repair value to a buyer that is not made up or intentionally low to help drive your margin. 

Corporations will be repatriating overseas funds and expanding, which will be a positive impact over the coming months and even years. 

I can only express what a positive influence that has had on my investing.

If I were in your position I would be looking at finding a house which you could rent out rooms.

In turn I am putting up collateral (a second position deed of trust on a property that my business owns) so that if I don’t pay back the loan then the lender can foreclose and recoup their money.

If you can't house hack it and don't have the cash to found the deal until its re positioned then you ruining a to great of a risk.

In 1999, I found The Motley Fool and I learned that even us little guys could buy positions in companies.

Are they selling you the property in exchange for a 1st position lien on the property?