There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

A lot of forum members are very knowledgeable in their respective fields related to real estate investing, whether that is real estate sales, wholesaling, flipping, rentals, lending, self-directed IRA and Solo 401k investing, or tax and legal guidance.There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

I look forward to seeing you around.There are a few self-contained guides that you can access here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/guidesAlerts can be really helpful too: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alerts

He has a home in a really good area, in between elementary and jr. high schools, good access to amenities, and a quiet, working class neighborhood.

I know for a fact that out of state (and out of country) investors operate in this same area as us, and would likely not have had access to either of these transactions, or if they did, might not find out this difference until it was too late.  

To give you an idea of costs associated with obtaining a license: RE course ~ $500, state and national exam ~ $200, fee to activate license ~ $200, becoming a member of the National Association of Realtors to access contract forms ~ $500 annually.

You can search online for companies in your area that lend that way.But I'm guessing if you talked to the people around you, showed them what real estate investing can do, and offered a good enough return, you could pool money from multiple family and friend sources to make it happen.Most people aren't sitting on tens of thousands of dollars, but most people have 401ks or IRAs and if they trust you, and you are trustworthy, you can teach them how to pull loans on their retirement accounts that don't penalize them, and give you access to more money than you realize you had access to.Probably start there.

I've never head of anything that allows for access to equity with only a 10% equity position.

If the prices don't work that, consider a town like Philly which is driveable from NYC, but also accessible with solid renters in many areas.

But since there is a limit to how much money the bank has access to....their rate will be higher...and usually a shorter term.