As a newbie here, I've been thinking long and hard about starting my journey into REI by starting out with Wholesaling. My main reason is to build up some capital this way and to also, hopefully build up some confiden...

Instead of Realtor, I would start with a good and reputable property management company first.

Find reputable broker and you won't have shortage of lending opportunities. 

However, we are the same as nonSec8 tenant however at least w/those on the program theres consequences for destroying property.

We have know each other for 20 years on a casual business basis as we are both in the local housing industry with excellent reputations and we also have a history of 30 current rentals (with 11 of them being inside of self directed plans) with a great track record in regards to how we take care of our properties and tenants.

I've read this in a few different books on real estate investing but also in the the same books, they say to find the best reputable tradesmen.

Can someone point in the direction of a great reputable contractor / handyman in the south jersey area ?

I’m looking for a reputable and licensed contractor for a gut rehab including permits and architectural plans, plumbing and electric in Chicago.

Even if you have every property paid off, this would have devastating consequences on real estate investors, property managers, probably the housing market as a whole, etc...

The real consequences of the economy being shut down won't really be felt until 2021-2022.