Almost bankrupted him and he had to go back to work as a doctor in his middle 80's  to make money again.I like real estate.

Find something that is undervalued, in a good neighborhood, and that won't bankrupt you when things don't go as planned, and take the leap.

Ask Schiff to come clean with all his short positions, I bet he has none of significance because if had put his money where his big mouth is, he would be bankrupt and broke by now.

Do I recognize that it will take years if not decades to establish a portfolio while also taking the risk of going bankrupt along the way?

If a prospective tenant has adequate income, a good rent payment history, no evictions and isn't likely to benefit hugely from bankrupting, I'll accept.

When I was involved with SFR and MF, it nearly bankrupted and killed me and I finally had to walk away. 

I could have bankrupted myself very easily.I’d also recommend a “safer” route would be sales jobs. 

If the shelter in place order doesn't lift soon, the restaurant will go bankrupt from negative cashflow. 

Well that's very stereotypical of both of you... anyways there likely will be a lot of opportunities after the crisis abates, although that comes from the unfortunate reality that many people are going to be bankrupt by this thing (https://www.independent.co.uk/voices/coronavirus-deaths-trump-stock-market-pandemic-economy-bankrupt-italy-a9394891.html).

Maybe the agent has a reputable contractor and is willing to help out since they're in a position to lose their commission when you go bankrupt. numbers...It appears you have 130k in rehab415k purchase35k in finance charges?