The good thing about a collection agency is that it can report the judgment to all three credit reporting agencies.

One idea that my dad had was that I would essentially put nothing down, and my brother and dad would put up 5-10k for the closing costs and we would split the ownership three ways.

You definitely want to consider the three safe harbors offered under the 2013 tangible property regs.

In August 2020, I took on what seemed like a great deal—a three-family property in Manchester.

This isn't realistic because all properties are appreciating in such a city.After one year: $400,000 x (1 + 8%)^1 x 75% - $300,000 ≈ $24,000After two years : $400,000 x (1 + 8%)^2 x 75% - $300,000 ≈ $49,920After three years: $400,000 x (1 + 8%)^3 x 75% - $300,000 ≈ $77,914After four years: $400,000 x (1 + 8%)^4 x 75% - $300,000 ≈ $108,147So, after four years, you can use the proceeds from a cash-out refinance to buy your next property.

A late fee in Maryland cannot exceed $5 or up to 10% of the monthly rate, whichever is higher, and no more than three (3) late fees may be charged in a single amount.

I couldn't do anything for more than three months. 

Three different contractors gave me 3 quotes, one for $30K, $60K and $110K.

Three months in at the house, my brother's new girlfriend decided to buy her own house.

@Hieu BuiI re-did the siding on a townhouse rental of mine 5 years ago in Marietta, GA, three sides only and it was around $10,000.