I learn best when I jump into situations and problem solve when issues arise, but I don't feel like I've made any tragic mistakes or have overstepped my bounds to this point.

Ask about recent deals and if they can show proof of funds.I have no clue why, but here on BP and in real life you get a lot of time wasters that are going to take over the world - When they get money and realistic expectations.

Ability to solve problems: this is really important because this is why they are hired.

While the policy is more expensive, it will likely solve your problem.

The diligent, friendly, follow up, problem solving investor. 

He laughed and said yes that is my loser sister and we had no clue where she was living.

Every property (especially cash flowing older ones) will have its own problems, repairs, turnover, management fees, leasing fees, crappy tenants that do crappy things, a thunderstorm out of the blue that causes some damage , a clogged sewer drain, a tax reassessment, a furnace that needs replacing, a new roof...these will happen and they all cost money to solve.  

Of course, the safest option would be to negotiate a sale price that includes settlement of the lien (assuming the numbers pencil out on the investment side), but there is always money to be made in creatively solving problems.The lien according to the seller is for somewhere in the $150k ballpark.

Reverse engineer your goal.Big Portfolio- 100 doors (Your goal any # or $) > relationships needed to scale> 10 doors> skill sets needed to solve problems, math, fixing, negotiation, people skills> 1 Door> Down payment, relationship with Bank, Good credit> Learn skills so you can be successful on your first adventure in real estate.Steps for a 15 year old. 

That one move alone would have solved all kinds of issues and cut the time to stabilization to maybe a year.Made the leap to wholetaling much sooner through the use of other people's money instead of saving and using my own.