Sell or purchase with contingencies that require the buyer/seller to cooperate with your search for a suitable replacement or to wait for your sales before scheduling closing.   

I'm in my mid-20s and recently had a career dilemma.

Years ago, early in my investing career, a friend of my grandmother owned a duplex free and clear that he wanted to get rid of.

My options are: 1) to post a "three-day notice to perform or quit", 2) write her to indicate the lease violation and allow her to break the lease now to find another suitable apartment.

They may demand more time to find suitable housing then he is maybe forced to renew?

Otherwise, best of luck in the career.

Don't hesitate to make colleagues and see if you can help each other move forward in your investing career.  

I think I can find some in the $35-$45k range and Craigslist indicates that rent would be in the $700-$900 range.One thing that I seem to struggle with is in drawing the line between what's suitable for a rental vs what I would personally want.

If not, outside of BiggerPockets, I would suggest that be the first place to start to surround yourself with like-minded individuals in the Real Estate business.Along with BP, DIG has definitely played a big role in my Real Estate investing career through networking and education. 1st meeting is free.

For where I am at in my investing career (admittedly at the very beginning) the maximum leverage approach is excellent and produces the maximum results over time.