I will keep looking but will keep this one on the back burner.

Having a flexible job with enough fat to save and invest is arguably a better position to be in for what it sounds like you want to do.If you do work for someone, I would suggest a much smaller venture, where you are able to wear many hats.

Even with a 25% tax, the fat profits these people are making will not dissuade them from leaving the flipping business.

Agree with @Colleen F. At

Anyone can swing a bat but waiting for the fat pitch requires a decent amount of emotional maturity.

@Bill F. at the end of they day, setting your goal is setting your goal. 

If you aren't willing to make changes to the current living situation (which isn't a bad thing) then I would put investing on the back burner and focus on providing for your family. 

I sent out a repairman who checked burners, oven and broiler and all work fine.

Treat it like you would your own house if managing yourself yearly inspection :- furnace/boiler - clean out burners (do in Fall to make sure heat is on in winter)- clean dryer vents- caulk bathtubs- change out thermostat/CO2 detector batteries- clean out gutters in Fall- while on the roof looking at gutters, take a look at roof condition - fix early- vacuum and clean utility room near any furnaces and water heaters (keeps dirt/dust out of systems, can extend life)- rinse water heater screens (can fill with dust and won't stay lit)- drain water heaters yearly - prevents sediment buildup and will extend life- change furnace filters (more often than yearly)- if in cold environment, turn water supply to exterior off before winter- take a look under sinks to check for any slow leakThis shouldn't take much longer than an hour or so per unit per year unless you find something unexpected, and if you do find something then good job catching it early. 

Or incompetent.Or, as is often the case, relocated and someone living in the subject property but not paying the taxes (or rent) while fat, dumb and happy.Your most valuable skill will be skip tracing; finding people who have a record ownership interest.