Some short answers to your questions:1) Convince to listen to some podcasts2) Really up to you and what you find available that works3) You will still need to be involved since it's your property4) I'd stay fresh of what's going on in your market, run the numbers on your criteria and practice finding "a deal"Lastly, some resources I've enjoyed:PodcastsEpisode 108 - Grant Cardone...

But just like I tell new technicians fresh out of school now, “the school gave you a ton of knowledge but Now you have to learn how to use it” All the education in the world does no good if you don’t take action with it. 

It's unrealistic for the OP to expect that, especially with no money to rehab and being unable to qualify for financing being self employed and fresh out of college, and with the property not being a bankable asset.

Welcome John, I am fresh off the boat as well and a newbie.

For the people that want to put the situation behind them and start fresh, I can’t imagine many homeowners who would want to sign over the deed to you and continue to have the mortgage in their name while you promise to make the payments.

If there's any link or tool that helps assess deals that would be helpful too.Very fresh starting out.

So far most other interested parties for this house have appeared  worse -  pre checks have uncovered evictions, multiple arrests, etc. 

Back on the market with a fresh inspection report to look at.

Maybe he's a good tenant and you will not want to deal with a turnover, or maybe you want to start fresh.

I fresh and brand new to real estate.