The only issue is that the only way to do that is to have the landlord put a fence up (not going to happen) or to have the landlord ask them to put the dogs on leashes that are in the ground and have the leashes not be long enough to reach our side of the yard.I hate that my children don't want to (and shouldn't have to) play around dog crap when they are wanting to play outside in the backyard that I pay rent for... 

Here's my quick brainstormHow I would find a mentor:1)Attending a local real estate clubs2)Attend real estate investment focused educational classes (not get rich quick road shows)3) Look up and research real estate records, news articles etc. of local real estate investors4) Work for a real estate office/broker/agent who invests or works with investors5) Join & volunteer at social service organizations, charities etc that known investors in the area belong.

The house belonged to my aunt and she was going to let the house go for the taxes.

I belong to an investor group and one of the members was telling me he flipped a house and was sued by the buyer's title company for unjust enrichment when it turned out the deed into him was forged. 

The tail on this is going to be LONG.  

The rest I learned (mainly local laws) from the apartment association I belong to as well as from personal experience (AKA being a landlord). 

I have enough reserves for 3-6 months and a certain point it’s “cheaper” to have a place vacant with utilities turned down versus non-reviewed guests at bargain rates, a month’s worth of belongings, and a guilt trip ready at hand when I tell them it’s not a good fit.

Here is a really interesting one I had some years ago: I renovated a 950sqf 2/1 shotgun home that was in a few blocks that belonged (was claimed) by 2 adjoining neighborhoods. 1) Grant Park, full of 1800sqf and larger homes, selling for 300-400K then2) Cabbagetown full of small 2/1 900-1000sqf shotgun homes, selling for 280-290kI had an extra lot and I added an addition of about 500sqf.

What this does, is tells you when two or more properties belong to one owner.

That meaning there is no rent due for two months and her belongings can stay there for that time.