To answer your question directly, for a quick analysis to see if I should dig deeper in to a deal, I use the 1% rule.

Sounds like you're heading in a direction that will support your goals.

Jon, it was a loan directly to my company, not tied to a specific asset.

A lot of our clients want to talk to us about investing and the benefits of long term or short term renters, and we direct them all to Colorado Springs (looks like @Jennifer B. likes the Springs too.)

It would be great to have some recommendations for people you all have worked with directly.

My motivation to learn and be more than who I am today has led me in this direction.

There are several companies that make direct investments in real estate, and allow you, as a shareholder, to participate, and collect a monthly dividend. 

As an agent dealing with FSBOs, I believe you should target unadvertised, off market properties that you find through direct marketing efforts.

Feel free to direct message me, and i can try to point you in the right direction.

I use direct mail, Google Adwords, Facebook, Linkedin, Craigslist, Bandit signs, and door knocking neighborhoods.