One of the best educators i found years ago when I went to 7 real estate meetings a month, sat in the back and had grassed stained tennis shoes and a t-shirt on, with Levi jeans.

Had I been in @John Elmenhe's shoes, I would work for an experienced real estate investor...even for free.

We are close to the Pacific Crest Trail, Mt Ashland for sking, there is snowboarding, cross shoeing, hiking. 

I wasn't even going to respond until I read your last post;  but if I was in your shoes, I think I would've gone mental on Andy by now.  

This is what I would do as I think paying $100 and a little time is worth the experiment.2) a more conservative approach - find a realtor or investor nearby already doing MTRs in the area and talk to them. 3) If you can't find anyone, put yourself in the shoes of the potential audience you're trying to serve.

for starters take that 300$ investment your mother is going to hand over and go and buy a nice pair of slacks, shoe's and a long sleeve shirt.

It takes a long time to see results in this business, which is why 95% of the people in your shoes will quit before they make real progress towards their goals.

Don't tell them you'll work for whatever they think is fair or ask them what they pay - this puts the burden on them and most will not want to make that effort to negotiate prices.Do a good job and always do a little extra "just because" (like cleaning up really well after a  project).Talk to other handymen in the area, work hard.I haven't been in your shoes or situation.

I am not proclaiming to be an expert in this field as I am learning just like you, but I was in your same shoes so I know exactly what you are feeling.If you don't have the financial capacity to take a deal down yourself, use your knowledge and add value to someone else who can help you get you where you need to be. 

The debt remains with the County, no matter who owns the certificate, so stepping in the shoes of the certificate holder does not change what is owed to the County.