I feel that I have a decent amount of knowledge on the many aspects of real estate but I am here to learn more so that I can achieve the financial security that everyone dreams of.

Do you suggest I secure a line of credit before I look at any more properties? 

Dominated by 1-2 big players that are not the nicest of people...

It helped me to at least fathom how many possibilities there actually are when it comes to securing that first property. 

After speaking with some specialist securities attorneys we have our basic structure locked down.  

I am currently a licensed attorney, and am looking forward to putting my legal knowledge to use in my efforts to secure cash flow properties.

I would much rather, every single day rather, collect 8-12% interest on a well secured note in my backyard than own a house in a market a thousand miles away that is full of other investors all hoping to collect a rent check.

His only concern is getting a reasonable rate of return that outperforms the market with a secured and collateralized cash flowing commercial property. 

Sounds like you just "lucked out" with some rotten kids nearby.I've had some success with "security cameras in use" signs, you can buy them at the Home Depot for $3. 

This one is coming with 20% instant equity and needs "nothing" to rent out in the heart of grandview it's already a bit overdone for the area - granite, stainless, hardwoods, outbuilding) - I think this one will rent as soon as I take possession and market it.On the financing side, I took my relationship with portfolio lender a step further and moved some security assets I've been holding a long time (income oriented things like bond ETFs) for free to their asset management division, which allowed them to give me a line of credit with those as collateral at 3.5% "interest only".