I mean this stuff happens in rental houses that are nice and newer or new. you either keep them in great shape which cost money or you buy rentals that you simply do minimal work on as the tenants paying 700 or 800 month have a very different expectation than a tenant paying 1700 a month.

Ask your employer if you can have your pay split up into three deposits, one to investments savings, one to your checking account for personal use on a daily basis, and one to an emergency account you can tap into so you don't have to tap into your investment savings.

I am thinking construction loan, but how to pay for it while the construction is going on is a different story.   

This would likely take coordination with a tenant at some point - (ie - plenty of notice to them that they must vacate in order for you to sell the property)Since your current home is free and clear -  you could do a cash out refi or take out a new mortgage on the new house to be able to buy your paren't house and pay off the mortgage.  

I went to pay them, couple of days work I'll pay with a check (1099) and cash it for them.Hey Tony, I've got all O's info what's yours?"

if he performs a service for you, just pay him for it. 

@Chinku Chinku how is paying the loan balance down going to help you reach your goals?

It’s paid off, I would “like” to leave it that way & maximize the cash flow while paying down the heloc between the rental & other income.  

We can still choose how much to pay someone to operate it if necessary.

@Shayan SameerThe non-paying tenant could impact your short-term cash flow, so consider the potential costs and timeline of eviction in your state.