I'm trying to find better ways to source deals so that I can maximize gains with off market properities going forward.

Hello,  Your friend should look into foreign national mortgages. 

Always consider the source.

What are some of the ways the unemployed get financed if they are just starting, without a source of income and have some capital

They have a lot of tools and learning sources.

But, again, if you have a source/citation that says otherwise, I’m always open to learning something new.

That would allow you to assess whether the sections were big enough to build another property on.Also even if you do have the funds available to purchase a property there are foreign investment rules in place that make it difficult for overseas investors to purchase.

A reminder, when we military have occupied a primary for 2 years of of 10 years, we can exclude capital gains on the sale of that house: If you or your spouse are on qualified official extended duty in the Uniformed Services, the Foreign Service or the intelligence community, you may elect to suspend the five-year test period for up to 10 years.

I still am teaching myself day in and day out when it comes to podcasts, books, videos, blogs, and literally anything real estate knowledge source.

Wholesalers are very valuable IMO bc they're constantly sourcing deals... that being said, some of the methods wholesalers use can be shady and morally wrong.