It has been mentioned above but your best bet is to separate the SFR and the 8 unit into two separate transactions.

It's hard to say for sure without knowing your market numbers, but I would bet you if you looked at a 10 year projection, you will probably have a better ROI with the equity in 2 houses as opposed to the equity and cash flow with one. 

I’m also not a fan of buying a property that loses money every month, while hoping for appreciation and betting that interest rates will fall.

It's a tough situation for all parties involved.

thanks Your best bet is to partner with a GC or find a GC that a friend of yours trusts.

Having an expert landlord attorney involved will help you a lot.As for the actual question, it is very difficult if not impossible to "stop" a tenant from damaging your property, because you are not inside the property to know what they are doing.

To Mike's point, it can also harm your ability to move on with a new partner who probably will not be thrilled to learn that you're still financially involved with your ex... 

What would you recommend to someone who wants to get involved? 

When we purchase, If there are agents involved we might not even meet the seller.

Hi Luca,a rate/term bridge with rehab budget would be your best bet. there would be no PPP's since it's a bridge, you'd be able to pay off the existing lien, and you'd get your funds to do some renovations to the property.I should be able to help with this, but I'd need more information on the property and how much in rehab you are looking to do.