With all of the electronic banking options these days there is no benefit in taking a lump sum payment.

Then a couple years back did some tuning, headers, intake system so if i need to get to deposit a check , i can get there quick ( haha ) About once a year though, my real estate investor heart tells me that its not practical, we should sell and have this talk with my wife and decide that we shouldnt.  

I have been doing my research a little bit here and there over the last couple years, but have accelerated my info intake a lot recently.

So my advice is to buy a property that will cash flow when you move out of it and rent the unit that you have been living in (taking into consideration vacancy, repairs, and your mortgage payment). 

He's done a great job in taking care of the place and even if he's a little below market rent wise, he's a joy to have.

@Carlton Bynum - to your list I would add to check: gutters and downspouts (especially since the bottom of the downspouts might be buried in over a foot of snow); heating system air intakes and exhaust openings (with direct vent units these are close to ground level and could get buried); nearest fire hydrant being accessible in case it is needed (snow plows tend to bury them).

Is there any merit at all in taking one day (Friday) and seeing if I can convince him to move out on his own?

I've called other places to manage the building, but since it's in a run down part of the city, they were not interested in taking over the management.  

This should help you figure out just how many eyes look at the property, which you can then use to calculate the 'follow-up' rate, when you actually get an email from a person interested in taking a look at the property.

Hello, My name is John Beasley and I am interested in taking the steps the learn the industry and start my path to investing.