Those folks simply can't be relied upon to relay inquiries, showing requests, etc or to put your best foot forward.  

I'm definitely the "play it safe" type, which is why the buy-and-hold strategy appeals to me, and because this is all new to me I want to "start off slow", but I am open to hearing thoughts on other options I could consider as well.Put simply, if you were in my shoes, what would you do with that capital and now with one property under your name (if buy-and-hold is the most appealing strategy to you)?

I figure that everyone has a cellphone these days and if a guest drops by then they can simply call the tenant when they have arrived to be let in.

If you don't play the game, then you won't win.

Or would it be better to simply partner with them, they are friends of mine, with the repairs for a percentage of the profit?

Win win. 

Share your strategies, experiences, and tips for crafting private money deals that deliver results!

Michigan wins two years out of 20 and I can't stop hearing about it! 

Simply having a bankruptcy in the past doesn't mean that the tenant won't pay the rent.

For the average investor with a high W2, the nicer asset strategy will win in the long run since the C class buildings require so much more brain power and focus.