So back to the drawing board, but for myself the big takeaway is to continue on the course that I set out on and too continually learn and stay involved with goals that I set out on and to stay focused.

There are also people who swear by one method or another.   

Judges will sign off on it, but any judgment obtained by a method of service that is not allowed is void.

Find Brandon's videos on YouTube for the "four square" method of analyzing homes and practice.

Enclosed a few pics for your reference.Should I involve the HOA?

I also had horrific PMs, particularly involved with a 48 unit apartment complex in Houston.  

It isn't having paid off properties that offers security, there are still taxes, insurance, maintenance and management involved. 

Its great that you have saved some money and have a desire but investing involves a risk of loss.

I've begun cold calling and looking to alternate methods of finding deals, but if anyone has any advice for overcoming this I'd love to connect.

For reference, we're heavily involved in the co-living space, which is an unorthodox strategy but can perform exceptionally well with the right property and systems in place.