Not knowing your situation, but Virtual is practically the same thing as investing in your backyard.

I've always had the impression that what you practice, you'll get good at, and the strategy of 'starting small and building up' is flawed.

In the mastery course you need to take all the practice exams and go over all questions you missed.

The above 4 square method takes time and practice.

Reading this book will literally add zeros to your bank account if you start with this system.I'd also recommend Gary Keller's The Millionaire Real Estate Investor because of the book's practical tips.

I've been looking on sites such as Zillow.com and Realator.com in order to practice analyzing potential rental properties, but I haven't found a property that provides positive cash flow yet (unless I lower the price I would have paid for the home significantly). 

I would say treat it like you're learning a new language where you read a lot and then practice by using it but also by speaking with people who know it to help you become more proficient.

My lender said we can not continue the process without having, practically a regular job because I have been self employed for less than two years.

Practice running #'s then make offers

It's ok because I'm a taticle learner, I will only get better with hands-on practice; constantly sitting, listening and reading is obviously not helping me.