This contractor is creative, underbid the job yet still honored their estimate, and came up with solutions I wouldn't have.

Noticed your post and wanted to extend a product idea that our firm has that could be of assistance to your situation, if you haven't found a solution already. 

We technically couldn't do a thing about it but this tenant wanted her out after a few days but didn't want to be a bad guy about it.Our solution was to pay the downstairs tenant $250.00 to move out within 5 days and this forced the nightmare tenant off our property.

Keep learning and growing your niche in real estate and refer to BP as a solution to any answer you encounter.

Welcome to BP @Molly KriefThe quote form @Steven Trumpetfind the worst house in the best neighborhood. is the one solution to your dilemmaThe way I look at is is learn you market, then find the best deal you can.

Her solution buy in the right area!  

I guess I narrowed in on the self directed as being the best solution if I wanted to access my money for real estate.

You might look at airbnb or vacation rentalbut the simplest solution is to live there a few more years as the market rent raises and can cover your mortgageThis is why it can be difficult to invest in San Diego

Has anyone worked with a company named fast property solutions llc?

I know that real estate is not a "get rich quick" solution, but something that will take a lot of time, passions, blood, sweat and tears.