The labor market is still challenging (and not showing signs of improving based on the escalating average age of most contractors).

Traditional bank loans might not be in the cards just yet due to your income history, but don't let that stop you.Enter the world of hard money lenders and private money lenders.

You get new cash to re-invest in new basis in RE in your own timeline, or you can reposition the investmetn into equities.BUT, what to do if tax bill is 40-60% of your equity after you pay the loan, and you don't have losses to offset that gain?

Advice is to run the numbers, she what you could get for renting out the spaces and then if not already get pre-approved for a loan (or cash) and submit an offer.

I have enough money saved up to pay for a house using an FHA loan but I feel like I would be screwed if the house was damaged and I had to pay thousands out of pocket to fix it.

Some idea's- wholesaling, structuring a seller/creative finance deal, or finding a deal then finding a partner with funding then offer to provide the management and grunt labor for a small slice of equity (10% of a deal is better than 100% of no deal). 

You would be paying back the loan via renting and refinancing or selling the property and paying the money back .

The other owners would sell you their shares for the value you agree on, and the loan funding (your new debt) would be their proceeds.

Even at 75k you may find yourself spending less over the long term than by getting a loan. 

The bank wants to know how you will pay back  your loan.