A friend of mine said "you need to put that money to work & live on the interest earned at 10% so this person that narrowed my money secured it with a note that had 40 acres of new almonds.

I would suggests you leave it, tell the tenant to put a poster over it, and tell them you need them to add a bit to their security deposit to cover it at move-out.

The security was about 4 hours away.

Security deposits, etc. 

What strategy did you use while you were unable to secure financing?  

In case I cannot find one that accommodates to my situation both in price and location in the given time, should I continue renting through short-term leases until I find that deal, or purchase a single family home or condo/co-op to secure a place to live for the next couple of years until I decide to either sell it or move and rent it out? 

I know buying & holding will take awhile to really see wealth but the goal is to secure a duplex or triplex, rent out the extras and live in one unit until I can start fixing & flipping.

I have secured my 2nd property this year (and overall). 

Just tried it, but my browser security denied it saying tested site and found security risks.

I also take the same security that a HML would do (i.e. first position on the lien, insurance beneficiary etc).