The more they have to loose, the greater the likely-hood they will work to continue to keep the home.

Keeping in mind you're not making a decision for your forever home....Let me know if you need market specific insight. 

Keep an eye out for stuff like that.If none of that works, you’re probably in it for the long haul until they leave on their own.

You have to keep up with rent trends or tough it out and wait for hopefully a stronger rental market this spring.   

My father is a contractor so we will be able to complete most of the work ourselves while keeping costs low and add equity.

The percentages are going to be up to you There are all kinds of High interest account that require all kinds of hoops to keep them.

Keeping your cash investment under $10K makes sense—you want to stay liquid for unexpected costs.

Take the initial investment out then keep the machine going.I know it seems like alot but it's really not that hard to accomplish.  

You could also consider a reverse 1031 exchange, where you buy the new property first.Make sure to identify multiple properties (up to three) to keep your options open, and try to negotiate longer contingencies with sellers.

Please keep answers short and simple thank you