Does anyone here have experience clearing a title after a tax sale in upstate New York and subsequently selling the property to a retail buyer? 

The CFP® certification requires rigorous study and hands-on experience, which you seem prepared to tackle.I've been in the financial planning field for several years now and currently teach aspiring CFPs at Golden Gate University.

You've got the experience, and your friends want to relax while their money grows.

While I have the time, financial resources and motivation, I lack experience in this niche.

I don't want to wait 5 years or so to save up 20% down but rather put 3-5% down to get experience and possibly cash flow when I do get my property.

Why go through all the trouble of sourcing and leasing up rental property only to have your acquisitions be temporary leases and lose out on all appreciation the property experiences while you're operating it. 

In my experience this kind of thing can get out of hand very, very quickly.]2.

I believe my experience in the market can be valuable for both buyers and sellers, but I'm also eager to learn more about building a strong real estate investment portfolio.I'm particularly interested in BRRRR strategy, short-term rentals, and multifamily investing.While I sleep, eat, and breathe real estate most of the time, I also enjoy sports (go Vols!)

But the majority of the time, doing the active diligence can ultimately provide the best experience for any placed tenant which in turn will ultimately help yourself, if a property manager, maintain a healthy relationship with your portfolio of owners going forward for them. 

Quote from @Mike McMurray:But, in Washington which is in answer to your question: RCW 61.12.200 comes into play.