Has anybody gone this route?

I'd say your first move should be to house hack and get out of the apartment, this is the most beginner-friendly way to get started, and as you continue to educate yourself you'll be better equipped to find other deals as you learn.

While we both work regular 9-5's, we wanted to do this on the side until we can turn it into a full time thing.

We would love to connect with others to share ideas about investing, form relationships in this business, and even work some deals. 

What tips or strategies can I offer to help him finally close a deal?

I'm new to the Real Estate Investing community/business and would like to get a couple tips on wholesaling locally here on Oahu.

Check with Account Closed about all this, but also an attorney!

House 1: 2000 square feet, 4 bed 2 bath.House 2: 2000 square feet 2 bed 2 bath mother inlaw suite.House 3: 2000 square feet 3 bed 2 bath mobile home on a 1.6-acre lot.Location is Royse City TX 75189I am not able to set a correct monthly rent for this property, need advice from experts.

At this point in my response I outlined what actual market rents were for similar properties.

Would love to see an update on this as well.