The more expensive suits are those with unknown heirs as prior owners, which will require a court-appointed guardian ad litem. 

Get a SFR and roommates, or a SFR with a separate rentable portion (aka a "mother-in-law suite" or accessory dwelling unit) and you'll be subsidizing your own housing cost.I only want to buy in an area that i would live in myself, i dont have high standards but i dont want to live somewhere of poor quality or in a dangerous area either. 

They installed a above ground swimming pool in the backyard, that damaged the grass and backyard completely.

I agree with you, it's likely better suited for an investor who focuses on SFRs.

A self-directed IRA LLC or Solo 401(k) that would offer the investor checkbook control would be much better suited to this transaction.

Tenants that seem to be difficult or not paying on time, I would issue a Notice to Vacate when it best suited your personal situation to get the unit leased again as soon as practical.  

A small claims suit of $5000 was filed against me. 

That could be a great way to find and stay engaged with local investors, realtors and opportunities. http://www.biggerpockets.com/alertsYou can also search for other investors or brokers in Huntsville and follow their journey on Bigger Pockets here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/search/usersAnything you can do to build your network in the region will help you find the realtor, and eventually the property, that suits your needs. 

I knew that one bad tenant and/or one extended expensive turnover could ruin that meager cashflow for a year or even two.I think situations like that are better suited for investors with extremely well-paying w2 jobs and/or other forms of income. 

I live in the bedroom downstairs, rent out the 3 bedrooms upstairs, and plan on converting the den to a suite-like room to airBnB when I get some free time - mostly just needs some paint and furniture.