Its essentially in the longterm best interest of the property owner to ensure there is a non-compete clause in all leases; merely for the benefit of securing longterm relationships with the tenants.A diverse tenant mix can attract a wider audience and contribute to a more vibrant environment.

While I'm not entirely discouraged, I feel like I've invested significant resources (LLC, website, domain) without securing a deal that generates cash flow.Any advice or guidance would be greatly appreciated. 

This is a passive way of earning with real estate-based security, protection and insurance. 

Do nothing...the tenant isn't renting that area and has no right to dictate how you use it as long as it poses no security/safety risk to them. 

Zelle is too easy to dispute and not secure enough.

Sometimes it’s the smartest move to gain liquidity and to secure your position with your remaining properties.

That's not really a full story so it's hard to say, but generally, if you don't feel secure or confident in the person you hired, you shouldn't have hired them.

Then you throw in hard money that costs you another 5k.

Visa and FinancingYou're correct that securing a mortgage might be challenging without legal status or a W2 job.

There is also the lending field which is quite lucrative if your more into financecommercial real estate if some day you want to be doing bigger deals and making 6 figure commissions checks.. etc etc.to try to start your business as a flipper or wholesaler is tough and it has a 95% failure rate being that it appeals to the mass's of which many frankly don't have the skills to succeed or the financing behind them.OR converselyMake money at your chosen profession save and buy and hold.. buy the best you can hold for long term.. same with buying securities .