I appreciate the structured approach you've outlined for getting started in real estate investing.

If either of these homes has been your primwry for anywhere approaching a year.

If you’re looking for a long-term fix, go for a more robust approach.

If the seller isn't responsive, then do like the idea of telling the tenant you tried, and see if they can get some free legal assistance from a tenant resource center.It is a good reminder as closing approaches to ask the seller to keep tenants updated on the pending sale and when ownership is scheduled to change.

I want to refi and pull some of that equity out ($200-$250k) so I can keep growing my portfolio but I'm not sure how to approach it as it would obliterate the cash flow I currently have, and in the current market I won't be able to make up for it with additional properties as they would also have minimal cash flow.

As active realtor, and investor I get a lot of people approaching me who want to invest. 

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

This step-by-step approach has worked well for many, and it can for you too!

@O Samuel AdekolujoHate to state the obvious, but your approach isn't working.Where is the problem, is the question:1) Your assumptions?

Just approach everyone with your business potential and they’ll typically help you out.