or should we open a Self Directed IRA and use that as a vehicle?

For example I have managed 13,000 vehicles in fleets and millions of dollars in other assets.

I hope to use REI as a vehicle to teach them about the value of hard work, money management, and investing ... my thought that these lessons will be much more valuable than the assets themselves.

I would suggest your decision to join a REIA is similar to buying a new vehicle.

I, like many others here, see real estate as a vehicle to provide for my family for many years to come, while allowing me to spend quality time with my family.

IRR is one of the most important metrics you can find for any investment vehicle.  

If you cannot do this, either because of geography, knowledge, time, etc, you should also consider other forms of investment - not saying you shouldn't invest in real estate, only that using a PM company will make your returns a little closer to other vehicles. 

The owner had passed away about a year ago and family members are now selling the property.In the Garage is a vehicle that belongs to the bank.

My suggestion is to get a boiler service guy (probably a smaller company)  out and get an estimate of what it will cost to repair the boiler so she has heat.. you don't need it working like new just want it to heat..Then you can make more decisions...OK My knowledge on boilers is not great but basically you have a oil or gas burner, a pump and pump motor,  piping and zone valves, and pressure gauge.... so, thermostat calls for heat then boiler fires up and tries to heat water .... then temp of water high enough to heat with.... then pump kicks on to circulate water to and from boiler...      

There is no guarantee that the next tenants will be better or get along better.Examples:Operation, Maintenance, Storage, Alterations to Premises: On a continuing basis, tenant agrees to: Keep premises in a clean, neat, and sanitary condition; no parking, storage, or accumulation of debris on lawn or yard.Not store non-operating vehicles, nor boats, RV’s, motor cycles, trailers, firearms, equipment, tools, hazardous materials, liquids, paints, fuels/oils or chemicals on premises without landlord/agent approval; no waterbeds