I am new to real estate investing and I am motivated to learn as much as I can so I can start building a portfolio in the smartest way possible that will allow me to quit the 9-5 grind. 

Motivational posting?

You got me motivated to get a targeted selection of books to read.

I was so motivated to get my first house hack, and 2nd 4-unit property (1st one was 25% down conventional)I'm just disappointed that all the podcasts i've listened to, i've never heard them mention this self sufficiency rule... completely changes my plan, and reduces the income I was hoping for dramatically.

I've always been fascinated with real estate when getting the chance to speak with our owners at company events and want to start working towards my own success, as well as motivate others.

Also, what questions should I get my agent to ask the owner to get more info to provide more clarity to the situation if the seller's agent is no longer motivated to reply? 

Otherwise you are always at the mercy of someone else's priorities and motives.

As we are spending more time in our homes, I think some will be more motivated to find something more comfortable. 

On top of that, Never Split the Difference can help in some negotiation situations or at least give you an idea of the motivations of the people on the other side of the situation. 

Personally, on a couple of our re-performers where the borrowers were steadily paying for years, I'd be willing to do a forebearance until they got caught up and that's outside of any stimulus.Keep your eyes out for any panic selling or motivated sellers.