Hello,I am a general contractor with part tIme crew, they are skilled and trustworthy but I can’t hire them full time because I do not have steady stream of revenue, we specialize in kitchen and bathroom remodel, during summer we are quite busy but thIngs slow down startIng Oct till late Feb / March.

Always keep in mind when investing in income properties that every property has two separate income streams.

I would like to build assets to create a solid passive income stream that can replace my 9-5 income. 

Available lines of credit and a steady stream of extra money from your w2 job can’t mitigate that risk .

I've had to do such things only when there was a private lender involved and bad blood between the parties.

You should get tested for any blood related diseases that could have transferred to you, there are more than you think

Learn how to screen better and how to conduct inspections on a regular basis so this doesn't happen again.As for the scammers, you can't get blood from a turnip.

However, after reading, and reading, and reading some more, I'm thinking of changing that goal to not only be able to pay cash for a home, but to also build an income stream through rentals. 

The thing about a house in a heavily wooded area is that there is a never ending stream of mice looking to get in.

Always consider the source.Hateful tenants are generally by nature outside the normal stream of society.