I love to talk shop even though I'm amateur, so feel to reach out. 

If so, buy it, it's better protection than convoluted business structures set up by amateur lawyers gurus.

Do amateur work expect amateur returns.

Also, I think this was a big amateur mistake.  

Amateur work can't be trusted and pro handymen are relatively cheap.

Well, I wouldn't do it..... but........Well all know that there are amateur landlords out there.

Here's to hoping I become less of an amateur and more helpful in the future with your guys' help.

As @Thomas S. already pointed out, it's a technique used by amateurs that don't know how to manage rentals.One thing you have to learn is that tenants are not "good" just because they pay on time.

From the amateur analysis I've done on a few properties, the returns aren't 20% but they are enough for me to think it's very doable.

Many amateurs and DIY that think they know what they are doing don't know what they are doing will give you money losing advice.