I love the funny money concept...

Wait, you have no employees, so you probably cannot appreciate this concept. 

I hear a lot of people touting doom and gloom about retail yet they have never owned the asset or specialize in it.They have owned SFR or Multifamily and are on the outside looking in with just a very basic concept of the asset class but not deep level knowledge.

Yes it is a great concept.

I use the concept that "first" is the application that is complete, has followed your process, and the background, income and credit reports are available. 

I will either get one of three answers, "yes, no, or please explain," afterwhich I explain the concept along with the positives of ownerfinance.

I have been using a company called Payclix.for my properties Apartment complexes and Mobile home parks For rent collection any type on fees or deposits  .I Liked the  concept so much I joined their Company .You can go to PayClix.com to see how easy it is and they have an exclusive Accept or Reject Module so you are in total control  You can choose to Reject a partial payment to avoid 3 day notices and evictions If you reject it no harm no foul .They integrate into your Existing acounting system or they can create one for your needs .It's made my life and my property managers lives so much easier.Checks ,Credit and debit cards .A tenant would much rather pay online the night before with a credit card than pay a $60 late fee .With a click of a button .  

I am so new to the concept of real estate investing that I haven't quite pointed myself in a single direction.

Consider the "multiple funnel" concept...You have developed sources for properties.

Also, most wall ovens aren't exactly 24/30/36" wide, make sure to look at the actual specs for dimensions if you are trying to keep the existing surround or cabinetry.You can borrow cabinet door/facing material by converting some existing cupboard to an open cubby, or you can change the facing material at the wall oven completely (think 'accent column' as a concept).