(probably not).You might be able to mitigate some of that risk if you could meet the owner and assess their circumstances before buying the property--but even then, your assessment is likely to be pretty hit-and-miss (although some people experience significant hardship through no fault of their own, it's not uncommon for people to create a fake sob story to cover up their own negligence/incompetence...even if you could talk to the owner, how would you be able to know the difference between legitimate hardship that was no fault of their own vs. a fake sob story?) 

I see you're in Singapore, so you probably have a unique set of circumstances and priorities when looking for real estate investments & strategies.

I do not see how you can possibly pass good title to a 3rd party - whether through a service like Opendoor or through a private sale - under the circumstances you describe. 

I live in the greater Los Angeles area with over 8,000,000 (who have been counted) people.You never know who will call again a year later, when their circumstances have changed and you need a tenant, or who might be impressed with how you treated them and when their friend (who is really qualified) asks them, they give you a good word.

While HELOCs can offer low interest rates and flexible repayment terms, they are typically designed for owner-occupied properties and may not be available for investment properties but I'll let a traditional mortgage broker chime in.Ultimately, the financing option you choose will depend on your individual circumstances and investment goals.

However, I'd have to partner with other investors (I'm on the "Poor Dad" circumstance of the spectrum with a growth "Rich Dad" mindset for the moment) in order to make it happen (the goal being to use funds from this first experience to put towards next property... to be rental... and continue in creating a portfolio).My question to those of you who may have started in similar circumstance (no money, seeing great potential with a zillow opportunity with land for sale for residential development nearby, etc.). how do take the next step? 

Other than special circumstances like you described with the lender who specializes in 401k funds you don't really see non-recourse loans until you're looking at loan amounts over $1 million. 

As Dion mentions, exemptions apply in certain circumstances, not for dealers in the business and being in the financing business means being licensed as a lender, someplace you don't want to go.

Due to a number of circumstances I have been considering switching to self-management for some time now.

Like stated above there has to be a good reason or circumstances.