I'd put the sod down, get a different handyman, he doesn't sound to handy, or willing to put down sod.Fall sod usually does well, I did a whole back yard and had the sod company install it, done in a day.Mother nature might be kind and in your favor on this. 

That will come naturally if he sees interest or offers up alternative ideas.  

Any granite/natural stone budget recommendation around Cleveland?

It just does and its because of human nature.

I've been brainstorming for a while now and maybe it's just a natural aversion to risk, but it seems like the only option is to hold where I am and get back financial footing before moving on to the next purchase.Any help is appreciated!

Such is the nature of investing.  

Offer to help people clean out a house or something of that nature.

Naturally, these improvements need to be carried out in a manner, and at a cost, that makes business sense.

Where I see some break down is this referring folks to rehabbers that are really not ready for prime time.. they either don't have the people skills.. they want to cut corners .. and or some are just nefarious in nature.

That's not to say that other Title companies won't "work with" investors, but the "work" you are most likely referring to is legal in nature and in providing those services as an inducement to get your business, these smaller title companies often knowingly walk across that solid yellow line.