I'd start with an all out approach to building wealth and learning over the next year or two.

I don't think there is anything wrong or unethical with that approach.

You're going to need to change your approach or you'll find yourself standing in the same place a year from now. 

Can someone give me an example of how to approach owners of surplus funds owed?

That said, in the mind of a seller a cash buyer offers the quickest turnaround time and the highest certainty of a sale. 

Try a variety of marketing approaches and track the results. 

Depending on what you are trying to do, you have to use different approaches.  

Fix n Flip/wholesale will give you the quickest ROI, but also are time intensive and I know you mentioned you have an issue missing out on time with your kids.BRRRR/buy and hold are the best for long-term wealth-building, but you won't become an overnight success story with either of these methods.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to approach this situation?

It's normally good practice to manage your rental property finances separate from your personal finances, so that's how I'd approach it.