The really dark part of this story is I put the property on the market for about $500,000 and did not get one offer for about 5 years.

Copy the paint colors, etc.

@Drew OsifalujoMany ways to skin the cat.

If he plans to survive in the business he needs to grow thicker skin. 

A hard money lender might consider putting a second lien on your primary residence for your “down payment” making sure you have skin in the game.

Color can have a profound impact on mood and emotion—it’s a powerful, transformative design tool.

I already have the book by J Scott (thanks to him) but still I'm at the dark about this, especially when I read your success stories and I don't know if I could apply the lessons here in our country. 

@Nathaniel PrinceHigher ROI, less skin in the game.

Having some skin in the deal will help when presenting your plan to possible money partners.Other option is to invest in Tax liens.  

I'm driving for dollars, taking down addresses and looking up properties on the county website, but I feel that it's a real shot in the dark to find motivated sellers that way.