If you like to be risky with your capital maybe try putting it in some index funds, crypto, or stocks that you believe in and understand and then take it out when its made a good return and then use it for the downpayment.  

Funds are beginning to run extremely tight.   

I would eat the costs and fix the yard and either install a sprinkler or pay a PM company to water it.

However, it restricts corporate growth.Syndication, on the other hand, involves several investors funding larger deals.

This also begins YOUR title seasoning, so that when you're ready to take out a traditional mortgage, you can refinance and pay off the seller without a title seasoning issue. you can buy title insurance from the title company at closing. this is a good idea. 

Are there any good property management companies that are familiar with Section 8? 

When they presented the opportunity to me, they showed me what countries want it licensed, what companies are interested and all of that.

I provided a free rent back for 2 weeks so the seller could get her funds and relocate.

A lot of management companies overcharge. 

Unfortunately, the septic company is taking their time, and I’m still waiting for the replacement to be completed.