., I want to focus on house flipping as a way to break into real estate investing.

Thanks  for resharing the resources- Merry Christmas! 

I would notify her in person and in writing (big note on her door) including quoting the clause in the lease where she is responsible, and tell her you will be inspecting to insure the heat remains on, high enough to protect your unit, or she will be breaking the terms of her lease and also liable for any damage done in the downstairs unit as well.

I did not evict them but gave them the opportunity to break the lease and we would just go our separate ways.

The property manager can make or break you, it has to be a PM that is working in that space and is comfortable there.I agree with earlier comments to look in the front and back yards to see how many old cars, abandoned junk, or treasures that aren't treasures are piling up. 

Your PM can make or break a deal, so be sure to vet them thoroughly.

In your case, you are probably better off buying a break-even deal in Tampa then a deal with $200 cash flow OOS.

Let's break it down here:1. 20% down or less: This largely depends on your financial situation and long-term goals.

If you are a newbie or old timer who is really struggling to break through in this business, what do you think is the reason so many don't make it?

For a 3/2/1 of 1200 sq ft, you can easily rent it for 1650 which is what I did last week for a lease break out and had a tenant move in 3 days after the vacancy.