While I'm not sure if I'm thinking more like one of the wealthy people Robert refers to or more along the lines of his younger self forging counterfeit lead coins in his fathers driveway.

I just knew I had to stay on my horse, find out what the challenges were, establish that I was kind but firm, and handle whatever came along.What would I say to my then self now?

A relative may be sufficiently motivated to work with you.It may be that a formal Conservatorship has been established.

When getting a loan, you can show the value of your retirement plans to illustrate overall personal worth, but IRS rules do not allow you to pledge you retirement plan as any kind of guarantee.With a self-directed Solo 401(k), the plan itself could invest in real estate, with the returns going back into the plan.

(Not sure if the units are self metered or not - am I high or low on utilities?)

-Just Start: Start building my team, network, ask for advice from other investors, make offers and obtain property, self manage, (basically the school of hard knocks) If you have any other suggestions on a different route to take, I am eager to learn.

I wonder if it's a low self esteem issue and they think if there are other people interested I won't rent to them?

@Herby Estimablehello and welcome.You should consider moving some money into a self directed IRA and then you'll be able to fund your real estate deals.

In the case of cash offers, proof of funds may be sufficient for the purposes of making an offer.  

When you know if market is flipping, get a list of homes on market and see drive by them to see for your self.