Then based on @Michael Baum's suggestion, I think I will have my cleaner and/or maintenance person do monthly/quarterly maintenance like using using enzyme based cleaners, grease fighting drain treatments and hot water flushing. 

These marketers would have the novice investor believe that the narrow focused “education” they provide combined with the “holy grail” formula (wholesaling, subject to, flipping, lease option, discounted note purchase, etc.) is most, if not all, anyone needs to become “independent” and successful, usually by month 12.

Alternatively, restructure the loan with equity participation for potential capital gains treatment at lower rates.

If you do, you should expect a very aggressive challenge by the IRS.At $350K of combined value it might be worth the cost to get a segregation study if you intend to keep these a long time.

I don’t know if the cause was fraud, incompetence, or a combination, but it is really sad.I was able to work directly with my borrower and my loan is still performing (amortized it rather than keeping the balloon). 

This region offers attractive home prices in the $100K–$200K range, combined with rental yields that often exceed the 1% rule.

Investing in area you're less familiar with combined with multiday travel can be more costly than spending more in your own market.

Combine those factors and start thinking of nightmare scenarios, because they are very real and you must be proactive in policing against there potential to occur. 

I’m considering amulti-family property in the 76104 zip code of Fort Worth, TX, and I’d love your feedback to help determine if this is a good deal.Property DetailsAsking Price: $169,999 (seller says it’s negotiable).Current Rental Income: $2,400/month (duplex is vacant).Configuration: Combination of duplex and triplex units.Some units are rented at below-market rates.The duplex and need rehab.Historical Income: Seller claims it previously brought in $5,000/month when fully occupied.ConditionBuilt in 1934, so it’s an older property.Some permits were recently pulled (e.g., plumbing, window replacements, and sheetrock repairs), but it still needs work to get the vacant units ready to rent.It’s located in a neighborhood with a higher crime rate but also near major highways and areas with rental demand (e.g., downtown Fort Worth and Texas Christian University).My Goal:I’m focused on cash flow, and this property seems like it could work if I can stabilize it.

I have a soft heart for those who deal with these struggles, it felt like a meaningful way to combine doing good with smart investing.