Small yard I want a nice place with my own bathroom and regular appliances. 

I either sell them on a land contract or do a lease option because I get more money upfront, the money I get is non-refundable (unlike a security deposit), the occupant takes better care of the place, and if I get the property back, I get to repeat the process and make more money off the property than I would as a rental. 

How to mitigate the risk of them up and leaving is to collect larger security deposits or have them pay a couple months rent.

However, one partner is hands on, lives in the area, and will be doing all the ground work; to include securing the financing, finding the deal, and self managing the property and everything that comes with that.

second just have the family give you a loan like any other lender secured by the property. at an interest rate you negotiate.. refinance and payoff lump sum.. 

During that time I would secure a mortgage to pay off the first and second. 

In that case a locksmith would help. if it is any other device made to secure the door, then use a drill or elecrtric saw to cut it.

Would it be wiser to simply take what I normally contribute to 401 and keep in a regular savings account that I can access without a penalty so that if I find a property I like I can invest without the hassle?

We are fairly new to the game and have only done regular wholesale deals prior to this, so I am needing some help.

I tried, before the crash, to take 80% equity out to buy another unit but had zero luck at securing traditional funding through a bank.