My brother, who owns a business, actually recommended keeping the house and to use HELOC for the second home.

This is what I recommend for you to get started in your real estate journey:1.

Can anyone recommend any other similar websites or a way around this limitation within white pages?

The contracto I used needed baby sitting and the attention to detail was lacking so half way through the reno I was more particular and communicated my expectations clearly and ofter Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

I recommend people enter RE at this time only if it is a passion and they are extremely motivated and hard working.  

So would you recommended just not buying property right now for those of us little guys that are not big Capital Partners?

Every day for weeksI'm not recommending this for anyone, but I would stop at obviously abandoned properties that had potential and wander around, looking in windows and sometimes going into the house - through an 'unlocked' rear door of course :-)Sometimes the windows are boarded up and you cannot get a view of the inside....then it's just your knowledge and your gut once again.Go to the County and look up the owner....send them a nice letter....even make a dollar offer if you feel so inclined. 1 in 10 might respond.This is the way to find deals with a lot of equity potential IMHO. 

Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

This is what I recommend for you to get started in your real estate journey:1.

@Timothy YangAt this stage of your life, I highly recommend reading, attending networking events, and speak to investors who have SUCCESSFULLY invested in whatever type of investing you have most interest in.