I'm afraid that having declared bankruptcy leaves us very little options in the arena of real estate investing. 

I guess you can say I was afraid to get into the game.

Dive into the forums, hit up some meet ups and don't be afraid to ask for help!

He's probably afraid you won't pay him for the report and you are afraid to pay him and not get a report.    

I'm afraid that two payments might be tough.

Don't be afraid to ask questions, and good luck!

So you'd need to maybe combine private money and finding a great deal that might need some fixes and not be afraid of getting your hands dirty and willing to learn how to fix some things.

I had to take up work with another company and you are right, the state of the market is just as you say, build it fast, build it cheap.I long to be able to give a bid on a well built house that last a family generations, but I am afraid cheap and fast would win out.

I am not afraid to put in sweat equity. 

For cash/checks, or labor costs paid, I am afraid not.