I promise you will still get knocked around now and then.

My thinking with this is, with the money I make on the side, I could either start a real estate investment portfolio or take any profits from my deals to knock down my loan debt. 

I'd like to try to find some more creative ways to knock this out.

Maybe just try knocking on the door and seeing how he's doing.

Ex, I knocked down a wall in my kitchen, ripped up tile and replaced it with hardwood, sanded/stained, assembled/installed cabinets/appliances, did all electrical, etc (everything was approved by the city of course.)

I was working part-time jobs at the time so I had the free time to drive for dollars and go around knocking on doors with FSBO signs, but my credit was shot and I had no real income.

They are pretty run down and due to flood requirements will have to be knocked down or raised.

Well in D and F areas I knock on the door and collect rent in cash .i know that sounds absurd in 2019 and I’m well aware many on here would snub their nose at this understandably so ,but when your dealing with a low income chaotic environment these folks don’t have checking accounts, formal education ,or computer skills .cash is a language everyone understands. 

You can also buy lists from companies like list source and there are some REI software companies that have a cash buyer search feature.Best way to find motivated sellers is to purchase lists and compile lists from city and county for 60-90-120 days late on mortgage, pre-foreclosure, delinquent taxes, water cutoff, code violation, probate, divorce, high equity, etc. and mail or cold call.Other methods are driving for dollars, door knocking, wholesalers, craigslist, Realtors, FSBO sites, expired listings, foreclosure sites, put out bandit signs, billboards, newspapers, other offline publications.You can use pay per click/adwords, facebook, Linkedin, Youtube, and other forms of online and social media.Bottom line is consistent action, follow up and follow through.

@Michael LoveCold calls, direct mail, door knocking.