If you're getting any sort of employer match, at least do the minimum to get that.  

I don't wear makeup, prefer to wear my comfy Birkenstocks and I wear my hair in dreadlocks.

I was sure to dress in suits and no trendy hair or piercings.

Although your idea seems well thought out, and a "system" of sorts, here is what happens at a foreclosure sale.

Any suggestions on how to go about finding providers with this sort of number?  

Probate Investing immediately interested me but I'm about ready to pull my hair out.

Or does there have to be some sort of existing personal relationship prior?

Like the Vanguard paradox,  dyed in the wool index folks who also offer some active funds, you see some variation here both among investors and across markets, even some contrasting views...And, as mentioned above, part of the allure in RE is profiting by your own hand, inefficient markets, and higher returns....And I may be deranged, but I find it fun and engaging  and you get all sorts of challenges, good and bad (where all my index funds are pretty boring to look at even when they grow, but boring in a good way...)

You want to purchase it with some sort of equity built-in.

It's lonely at the top" or on "the road less travelled" sort of explains pursuing success and leaving the people you know behind, in a way.