I asked her where I could find these standards specific to multifamily and if each individual unit needed a functioning bath and kitchen.

It is likely that even the initial transaction may be a disqualified party transaction if you have existing joint ventures with this individual.  

We actually got sued and we were never individually named in the suit.

Vis a vi risk reward scenario.. compared to buying on the west coast..

I am excited about connecting to some like-minded individuals here on BP. 

The seller is moving to Florida and first attempted to sell his 9 Durham rentals as a portfolio, which didn't work out, so he began selling them individually.

I feel it's apparently obvious you can avoid foreclosure by paying the bills but it's also apparent that an individual facing foreclosure is obviously past that point.

I decided it was worth my time to delay my "start" until I fully vetted other individuals and their advice.

Success in any endeavor is too individual.  

Ryan,All three of those options are good ones, I have seen individuals build successful real estate careers utilizing those strategy.In short, option 1 is get started as an investor and option 2 & 3 are get started as an industry professional.