My career has been in client services and tech sales to this point, but looking for something different and have had an interest in real estate investment from afar, but it always seemed unrealistic for a novice with limited disposable income.

Keep firing questions. 25+ years of experience in the real estate industry at your disposal.

The key for me is, "Why is the disposal broken?"

For example:General-Filters (furnace, air conditioning, oven exhaust, refrigerator, and water)-Stove burner when the “eye” needs simple replacement-Batteries and remotes that service the premises-Fan and light pull strings-Smoke and carbon alarms testing and batteries-Ensuring appliances are properly plugged in, hooked up, and used-Removing dirt, debris, and lint in and from connection pipes (e.g. clothes dryer)-Tighten loose screws on all home functions (e.g. doors, hinges, handles, socket -Balancing off-balance appliances-Cable, internet, and phone jacks-Fire extinguishers-Systems operation (e.g. security, irrigation, HVAC)HVAC-Monthly A/C filter and drain line maintenance Electrical-Reset “tripped” GFI breakers-Light bulbs (throughout and at the end of the tenancy)-Blown fuses-Reset breakers in the outside and inside breaker boxes-Socket and plug outlet coversPlumbing-Unclog drains or toilets-Caulking around tubs and showers as needed-Gas pilot lighting-Leaky faucets and shower heads-Toilet flappers, handles, seats and seat lids, tank lid, and flush kit-Sink and tub stoppers-If septic tank present, use RID-X as directed on consumer box-Proper cleaning of garbage disposal-Loose faucets and sprayer heads and hoses-Faucet filters (i.e. aerator)-Open exterior plumbing clean out when necessary (e.g. sewage backup)Exterior-Routine lawn (and pool) maintenance-Adjusting sprinkler heads as necessary-On the last month of tenancy, tenant must perform required lawn maintenance no sooner than 2 days prior to vacate dateThere’s a lot to consider as a landlord.

I had options at my disposal but I decided this was a good deal to assign.

Also, remove garbage disposals.

If you dispose of the property and pay taxes to Paraguay, you may need to pass foreign tax credits to the investors / partners3.

But it can not replace the income opportunity my primary job creates;  plus, I use disposable income from my primary job to fund my real estate investments.  

It could be something simple like making sure you have a legally compliant lease, or how to properly serve a 3-day notice for late rent, or could be more sophisticated of how to communicate with residents when their 4-year-old shoved their toy in the garbage disposal and they don't want to pay for it.

Most banks want to dispose of non-performing assets quickly, and will do so by selling at a public online auction like Auction.com, or list the property with a local Realtor on the MLS.Even if you can work your way up to the bank's decision-maker on this property, it's highly unlikely they will sell directly to you.