These tend to have the best ROI when compared to other investments such as office space, warehouse, retail, etc.

That's a mighty big area to farm for properties.If you're just getting started you might pull less hair out if you focus on a smaller space.

I have so many friends starting businesses hat need commercial space and it also come from and interest in knowing how this aspect of real estate works.

I would not typically handle a commercial building that is office space.  

Live on crackers and peanut butter if necessary.Also, rent out any spare space you have on Airbnb.That's what I've done for the past year, and I've saved up about $10k.

@Yousef Reda It is hard to find good deals in my area too, my local market is very tight.

Preapproval doesn't quite work the same in commercial financing because it's mostly deal-specific and much less you-specific.Talking to your average real estate agent, or even your average residential lender like myself, isn't going to get you far at all in the 5+ unit space. 

Inventory has been tight but is showing signs of opening up.

But I didn't have safe spaces at my university either.

Buying the beneficial interests of heirs in a decedents estate has more possibility of trouble than these forums have space to list.