The more time you spend talking about other options and try to build up the negatives, the less time you are spending on what you fell are the positives of your own idea.If you believe that you are onto a great idea using L2P option contracts and forming partnerships where someone else provides 100% of the money while you provide 100% of the real estate-related functions, then start it up and make it work.  

IF you're not on an HOA maybe try co-living. 

Do that before you spend any energy trying to kick him out.If he hasn't paid rent, you can call the police and have him escorted from the property. 

Also, networking with local contractors and lenders now will save you time when you're ready to move on a deal.When you visit, try to walk neighborhoods at different times of the day, chat with locals, and take note of any development projects or signs of growth.

It didn't sell at auction, so not sure what they ended up doing with it....maybe tried again later or put it up OTC. 

If you wait for the problem to occur and then try to educate yourself, you will exacerbate the problem and lose more money.2.

I've been knocking on doors, there is one that seems like it's abandoned, however despite finding the owners name from tax records I cannot seem to get in contract with them to make an offer (despite trying x, y and z). 

Or should I try to keep them completely separate to not dilute the brand of either?  

I already have 5 rentals jsut trying to scale  little bit.  

Try Citizens bank if there is one by you