You can always use hard money lenders, however if its your first attempt, I would partner with someone who is knowledgeable in this area. 

What is the best approach when attempting to enter into the real estate game especially in this economic climate?

You shouldn't consider cash-for-keys until you've at least made an attempt. 

Did you attempt to negotiate or mention to him that sounded high to you?

I have heard of homeowners doing the cement down all drains back in the foreclosure waves of 2008-2011 but I had never heard of a contractor attempting this!

AB 828 is an unfair attempt to allow the government and the courts to give reduced rent and extended tenancies to all renters even if they do not face economic hardships, and it provides no safeguards or protections for landlords.

At the moment some states have enacted stay-at-home orders which have prevented construction in those states.

But is that because this virus is less prevalent or virulent OR is it because we enacted an intervention that dropped the case fatality rate? 

In an attempt to supercharge real estate deal timelines and liquidity, The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., and the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency have announced changes that will allow commercial and residential mortgage closings to happen WITHOUT an appraisal.

You could try to attempt to invest and get mentoring at the same time, which could be tough but worthwhile - especially if the syndicator is in the North Atlanta area.