@Matthew Gainey as stated here the "2%" rule is really not a rule at all but rather a specific outcome of the rent to price ratio.

Use the resource tools at the top of the screen to get familiar with specific topics.

But I really need to raise capitol at the moment so I figure it may be best to master a niche first. 

I have heard that you can "assign" the property through the use of a land trust and using trustees etc. but I'm not sure of the specifics of wholesaling REOs that way.

This is a market-specific approach, so if RE in your area is slow/average then you may not be able to wait.

Without knowing the specifics of how you are spending it it's hard to say if it will offset the penalty you would pay from your retirement account.

Remove any art that is too taste specific. 

one of my vendors is going to make a run in Inglewood. he has a specific Niche'

Researching 203k and multifamily investing in the Chicagoland area specifically the Woodlawn area near University of Chicago, many opportunities many decisions to make this site seems quite helpful.

As with any contract though, you'd need a very specific scope of work, material qualities, etc.