Look up "bird dogging" "driving for dollars" "wholesaling", these can all be good ways to get started with little or no money.Find an area of real estate that you find passion in and learn everything you can.  

I'm such a passionate and ambitious person, and I never do things like this unless I'm dead serious about it.

I’m not a fan of cheap when it comes to relationships, which is what you have here with your carpenter.  

I'm a big fan of options 1 and 2.

Great student population to rent to.Tracy is also a good location since there are alot of commuters to job locations in the east bay.Byron is a sleepy farm town. not good for investment.Sacramento is one of the best markets in the nation as you mentioned.Given all this, I would disconnect your passion with your investment criteria. 

I am not a huge fan of keeping inherited tenants, because they are the only ones that have given me any issues so I was fine with watching them go.

My experience has been: When you pursue something you are passionate about, either you two will grow together, or grow apart.

You need to decide if cash flow works for you.I'm not a fan of long leases if there is no rent increase provision. 

yah, I'm not a big fan of incompetence or being lied to and ripped off! 

It seems like you're really passionate about everything you do, I sure wouldn't  bet against you.