I am just starting to learn as much as I can about real estate investing with a goal of supplementing my income after retirement.  

Save up the 3% or whatever you need as a downpayment (or ask for a gift from family members that want to see you get ahead), and make an offer that has the seller cover your closing costs.  

We split it by number of bedrooms rather than square footage.The only push back we've gotten is on heating bills in units with poor heat distribution/insulation.Remind tenants that they are splitting all the base charges which is an overall savings for them compared to separate utilities.

I did get him an account set up and I did save him a lot of money to fix up his rental but what I really wanted was that connection.

How should one get started without capital for investing? I know the obvious suggestion will be to acquire personal equity, but I wanted to know if any of you have successfully used creative ways to fund your first in...

yes you can sell the pink and blue and green fixtures on ebay or craigslist. there are people looking for the retro styles if they're in good shape. though i would say you might want to re-glaze the tub to save time and money, but sell the toilet. check out these sold listings of pink toilets on ebay.

How does the process work if a person who is going through foreclosure doesnt want to sell and wants to try and save their condo, could a note investor help that person?

Would save initial fees of you having to fly out yourself and pay for plane flight and hotel which could be thousands in expenses.No legal advice given.   

Owner has owned these for a long time and is looking to retire- this deal was found "off market". 

Also give a ring to Ambler Savings Bank.