Welcome to the site @Drew DeSousa

That sounds strange, but you have nothing holding you back from venturing out of your security...because you have lost that security blanket that was your job.I would venture to say, that most of the success stories in history, started out where you are right now...me included.So, with nothing holding you back, and with plenty of time on your hands (time will always be your greatest asset...since you can never get it back), if you want to get into REI, you need to do the following:1 - Learn,2 - Learn some more,3 - Keep learning.Places to learn (before you say "that costs money"), that don't cost any money are:1 - Online education sites that have free articles written by experts in their fields.2 - Free e-books, that you can get online.3 - Joining your local REIC's to both learn and network.4 - ...and never stop learning...even when you become a success at this (and you will)Also, three very critical actions you MUST follow to be a success:1 - Always think possitive.2 - Train yourself to think of future "obstacles" as temporary problems...and you are the problem solver. 

Welcome to the site @Andrew Poitras

In either case for what I'm doing, I need an architect for the site plan for the change of use and a land use attorney for the legal aspects and complying with the notifications to the surrounding property owners. 

its a great place to find like minded folks who run the gambit of highly experienced to total beginners and everything in between.. although I would say its slanted towards those starting their journey and many once they get going and have some success contribute less frequently.you have those that are in some sort of sales business so are always marketing themselves or their companies.. through writing blogs and or posting on the site with regularity. 

Welcome to the site @Anthony Rios

So why are all these flipping sites and books having us upgrade bathrooms and kitchens and all sorts of stuff if we won't even recoup the costs of these projects?

I visited sites similar to this, but didn't find information to be sufficient enough.  

There is a plethora of vendors available who handle title, site visits, loss mitigation, legal/foreclosure, property preservation and property sales -- all can be directed via phone/email. 

Hello @Charicea Lucille Kirby, welcome to the site!