You will likely need financing to scale (especially to scale quickly), and investment property mortgage will not be cheap or even available with poor credit. 

the SBA can still work but the price point is likely going to pencil way under what seller financing would allow.

did you know that banks have their own font and font size (so its like creating your own currency, if you do it and use the right people you will know). 

You are more likely to be struck by lightning twice.

Also to network and learn from like minded people.

Looks like there is a trimester discount of $650 off if you're serious.

More than likely you would need to give up around 70-80% of equity and own a minority - some deals would allows you to buy it back at a set price as well. 

Very likely no (how do you think this would benefit him?)

Almost like being paid to live there. 

I also have no interest in being in the car wash business, or the laundry business, or the AirBnB business, things like that which seem to appeal to a good number of people, but not me.I like to KISS, and just focus on market rate rentals, 12 to 18 month leases.