I personally have certain amounts I act on so then tenant doesn't get the perception I am nickel 'n dime-ing them every month.

It's important to analyze what went wrong to avoid making the same mistake again.I see a lot of new investors spend their very last dime purchasing a rental, then they have no money available to cover unforeseen events like what you experienced.

This is a sometimes a difficult concept for non-contactor to grasp but:  The Customer Always Pays For EverythingContractors do not have some secret source of funds - every dime they have or spend or make is obtained from the customer.  

I've never seen a dime of it...

Assuming that the property doesn't go up one dime in value, and assuming that it is a negative cash flow of $1000 per month from now on, 15 years later, you have a property that is completely paid off, worth $500,000.  

Even if you have money for the 20% down, it's not wise to spend your last dime making that down payment and leaving yourself vulnerable to losses from a bad tenant or maintenance costs.If you want to be a successful investor, increase your earnings, reduce your expenses, save up, and buy wisely. 

@Keith RobinsonThey have experience and can do some fund administration for you - these services are now a dime a dozen.

I can promise you one thing though, if you're not taking care of the customer and making sure they're happy, you're a dime a dozen as a self storage facility.

My mom is in direct communication with the Managing Partner who promises every week that he’s going to send her money, but hasn’t paid a dime. 

I wouldnt pay the guy another dime.