Still need to run a more detailed analysis once we know the loan is going to perform or not.  

Private lenders or even creating a small syndicate with a group of investors might also be worth exploring, especially since you can point to your uncle’s track record and your own experience managing rentals as a selling point.If timing is tight, you could look into a bridge loan to secure the property while figuring out a more permanent solution.

I don't ever stiff the housekeeper and if this was a long term tenant who needed to break early I would do it but probably not in this case, again unless regs require or mom presents a more compelling case. 

@Elvon Bowman, again, I am not trying to talk anyone out of pursuing their dream, but I do agree that approaching smaller-ish deals is a more likely track for success.  

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

But from a moral & ethical perspective, you may want to decide at some point to just eat it and accept write it off as cost of doing business.

While likely more expensive than Cleveland or Toledo, Columbus has a more diverse and robust economy, driven by government, education (Ohio State University), and healthcare.

Then you can read a more in-depth book like The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner or The Unofficial Guide to Real Estate Investing by Spencer Strauss.2.

Visit with people there and you'll get a more detailed look at things from people actively working in the areas.

And mercifully, building wealth is a more important goal than the cash flow, to be sure.