I was a product manager at Santander Bank helping foreign buyers invest in U.S. properties.

I personally only buy STR'S where I would want to go on vacation. 

If you can't keep control of your personal finances, you are highly unlikely to succeed in real estate investing.

I personally found I’m good at it if it’s a simple job, normal easy walls, but hire out if its 2-story height, painting cabinetry, wood windows etc as they are a all a big pain.

Even if there is not, offer different products. 

Call all the auction companies in your area and get on their mailing listing (make a personal contract with auctioneer associates - let them know that you are a buyer)  they will email you a list of up-coming foreclosure auctions.Your benefit by getting to the owner early, is that you may be able to 1.take over the mortgage by making up the back payments 2. get a deed signed, 3. take over the existing mortgage 4. advise the owner how to delay or stop the mortgage foreclosure 5.

Whenever someone files for bankruptcy, there is an automatic stay of all legal proceedings against that person. 

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Ben, So what I am hearing you saying is you had a property in LA that was worth $755,000 and after the sale of that property, you cleared $366,000 which you turned and bought a property in Houston for $400,000 by using the $366,000 and adding $34,000 more in personal funds. am I correct in my understanding?