I don't recommend throwing the baby out with the bath water, and definitely make sure you understand the nature of the Mentor you choose.BP is a great resource to meet some amazing people. 

Then based on @Michael Baum's suggestion, I think I will have my cleaner and/or maintenance person do monthly/quarterly maintenance like using using enzyme based cleaners, grease fighting drain treatments and hot water flushing. 

If there's a family member or friend in a similar situation, and you can both align on the initial plan (location, home type, price, usage/occupancy, etc) you can pretty easily get a co-ownership agreement in place and even a joint mortgage.The benefit here is it might open up your ability to buy a larger place in a nicer area which could lead to a faster rate of appreciation and overall better living environment. 

That's easy compared to trying to fight and erroneous $13k water bill (a real issue we had) or an insurance policy tripling (that too).

It's wise to stick your toe in the water first and fail fast in a small way if you're going to fail, right Vanessa?

The owner also needs to save for big ticket items that may need to be replaced every 10 or 20 years such as AC, hot water heater, furnace, roof.  

For example, the iconic Malibu waterfront homes were built directly over the water, many by variance, and assumedly will not be permitted to reconstruct, certainly not with the same materials or attached architecture.

Due to this water being behind levees the water stayed up for 4 months. 

Quote from @Chris Seveney: @Charlene Kingsnorth have you had an sec attorney also review what you are doing as if you're are having multiple people as part of a loan participating in it depending on the state this could get you in hot water - so be careful  good point Chris some state allow fractionalized deed of Trust mortgages other do not or require PPM like documents prior to offering them..

What is the speed of the internet, is it hot water (international property holders), is it AC.These basic clear descriptive items are great because if the price is fair and it clearly states the benefits.