You should have documented that in writing, but even a text message from him would likely hold up in court.You post the notice and give them the required amount of time.

STR feels more like a strategy to break even or eek out a meager return on a great asset than a strategy to cashflow.

Push through it, you may even need to have a second, consistent paying job and thats OK, until you get established.

Also, focus on 2 years of job/income stability.Class D Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, all cashflow with little, maybe even negative, relative rent & value appreciationVacancy Est: 20%+ should be used to cover nonpayment, evictions & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores under 560 (almost 30% probability of default), little to no good tradelines, lots of collections & chargeoffs, recent evictions.

I have pulled a permit for removing a fireplace, but probably would not have but I had a significant remodel going with permits and did not want hassle of him making an issue of removing the fireplace (the inspection for fireplace removal consisted of only verifying gas cap was in visible location, he did not even spray it).

i say that not to discourage you, but so that you have a realistic picture of what to expect.as @Travis Timmons alluded to, you need to be in a strong financial position to even think about starting to invest. 

In exchange, he gave her a small rent discount and even helped her relocate some of the larger items.

Your construction skills can give you a significant advantage, allowing you to save on rehab costs or even flip properties for capital.

I recommend you figure out what you want to do, then actually do it to see if you enjoy it, have some skills, etc.

Things just require more ongoing expenses percentage wise out of state because you have to pay people to do everything for you and you will have a longer time building relationships with vendors even when getting decent referrals.