This place has an incredible amount of resources and is an amazing sounding board for all things real estate.

Here's some brief answers and I'll PM you to get some more resources in your hands.1.

Here are some recommendations for you:Find and connect with other BP members that are in your area: http://www.biggerpockets.com/meetSet up keyword alerts to be notified of the topics that interest you: http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsRead Beginner’s Guide: http://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investingCheck out BP Podcasts: http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/category/podcast/If you wish to tag someone in the conversation on the forum, type @ followed by their name and then select the name of that person which should appear below the comments box.

Whether you find the deal directly from the current owner or from another wholesaler, real estate is about being good with people.As for the specifics about finding deals, the Wholesaling section of Bigger Pockets can provide far more resources than I can in this one post.

Guide, and mentor.

Welcome Mitch,The community is a great resource for all kinds of information.

I have a friend who purchased an empty lot a few years ago, developed plans for around 200 apartments to be built, but didn't have the resources to cover the construction/interest costs until revenue could be generated. 

Actually, your 401k is a great resource here, but as a loan from it. 

If you want to ready, from the entry page, if you hover over "Education", you should see plenty of other resources.

If the numbers are right, and you've enough resources to buy it, then just rent it out to your friend as a tenant (though I would not rent to family or friends)