It just seems that with all the work and risk involved in finding your own property, managing contractors, and then finding and managing the property manager, the return on the SFR investment should be signifcantly higher than the syndication. 

The repair work will likely involve the removal of drywall in order toperform repairs.

Understand the fees involved and calculate the total cost for an entire year of management so you can compare the different managers.

I thought about buying a non developed lot in cash, subdividing it, clean it (take out trees and bushes), get permits, and start building 1 property sell it and then build the second one...The problem is that I am afraid of going this route because of messing with sewer, water, electricity...

You can file a Chapter 13 which will protect your home and its a clean way out.When you file a CH.13 BK its not the end of the world it simply protects your home since its your homestead from foreclosure.

It really comes down to your investment goals and how involved you want to be in the process.

We're involved in a curriculum right now, and are also reading a bunch of books and binging on Bigger Pockets podcasts.

We added a mini split system, new floors throughout, rebuilt the deck, added windows, repaired waste lines, roof, siding, stucco, cleaned up the basement and remodeled the kitchen and bathrooms.

@Bradley MairThe strategy involves buying properties as primary residences, resulting in lower down payments and better cash flow.

If it persists, I would hire someone to clean it up and bill the tenant back.