So, many landlords legally "bribe" these S8 tenants to move into these Neighborhoods/Properties with free appliances, TVs and internet.

Thank you for putting it out there and potentially saving someone else in the future. 

Well I have seen this come into play - I had someone who has a note in florida that was a non-owner occupied loan and the lender claims the borrower failed to make payments on this and attempted to record the deed in lieu.

It's laborious, messy - but it was far less damaging/challenging than the photos found on the internet...even with plastered walls.  

I am currently in the planning phase of my real estate investment journey and had a few questions I’d like to ask someone more experienced.Would it be smarter to focus on paying down my own mortgage and then use a HELOC as a down payment for my first investment property, or should I simply use my savings for the down payment instead?

Maybe show her one story of someone in a similar position who bought their first rental or house hacked successfully.

As someone who occasionally works with these investors, I always try to emphasize the challenges that come with real estate like managing renovations, dealing with tenants, and navigating market fluctuations.

If that call fails, try calling again (hopefully you'll get someone more competent).

. - In the unlikely event that you get a lead, A "motivated seller" who will work with an 18 year old to sell their home, is likely someone dealing with death, disease, divorce, or disaster.

I saw you had to talk to someone about the Zoning of your property, ask if it met the qualifications, dig down, something about underpinning and sewage, etc.