I am not looking for political opinions, and will not be engaging in political discussions.

These are 2 very different kinds of investing, with very different underlying mindsets of persons engaged in each.

If you don't have $1.4M you've got no business engaging with the owners of these properties. 

You need someone that clicks with you personally before engaging in a mentor/mentee relationship with the dedication and stress that may be involved.Where to find a mentorStart by looking within your existing network.

a member of NAR even though I am neither a licensed agent nor broker, nor am I actively engaged in the retail sales of real estate. 

IRS allows "any reasonable method", so as long as this is something that you are doing consistently and can defend as reasonable, you'd be fine.I do recommend that you engage with a real estate focused tax professional.  

Engage the services of a professional property manager.

Put yourself on extension for this year and engage with somebody else after April 18.  

I do have interests in virtual wholesaling as well, as I want to engage in real estate in other states too.My goal this year (hopefully in 6 months) is to become successful enough to work full-time in real estate (easier said than done, I know).

This can be simple once you learn the process, and it can be more enticing to sellers because they can end up with more money in their pockets.If you do decide to engage an attorney, it's important to find one with experience in real estate transactions.