Your best bet might be to go to local investor workshops and then find someone very successful where they might take the time to help you out IF they feel you are truly motivated to listen and take action with direction as given.At some point as people age they do want to pay it forward helping others but not those with low motivation or want the easy answers in life with massive results.  

If after that deduction, and all other deductions you still have cash flow, which is unlikely, it is a candidate for hold however based on your description of the handy work I would guess it to be a maintenance pig that you would be safer to unload now and move on to other endeavors that will have a better chance of being positive cash flow. 

I bet this the same apartment complex discussed here: https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/88/topics/340...If so, it's not a good deal at the asking price.

If you live in an area where they sell within a week, then a fast cash offer is your best bet.  

The credit union is a good bet as well since you are a member and should be able to help you out.  

Or is it safer to stay away from a potential good deal because of the inherited tenants?

A better bet would to buy a property at University of Redlands.

I thought my best bet would be to become an agent so I could learn how the real estate market works, gain capital, and most importantly create relationships with people who can show me the ropes and point me in the right direction.

Betting on what you don't know is rarely an effective strategy. 

As Ryan Dossey mentioned if you get belly to belly with them I bet you would have ended up with a few rentals if you want in the landlord game....