It has inspired me to invest in more real estate and take better control of my finances overall.  

@Kevin Barnard, if your property is in rent-controlled Los Angeles (not all properties are under the LA rent control scheme), you may have some issues with the rent control, rent increases, and evicting this tenant. 

Try to have your personal debt under control, have a good credit score and understand you will need some cash and reserves the amount will be determine by your market.. .

I had my handyman take a look at it and he said either the motor needs replacing or the digital control unit needs replacing but it's beyond his handy abilities so I don't know how much this would cost me. 

I figure they have it under control.

It is easier, safer, and you have more control. 

Once you get a contract signed and you have control to sale the property, do you already have a buyer in place? 

From the smaller mom and pops you can grow larger on your own without the loss of control that is a partnership or syndication.

Tenant erected a 12 x 12 outdoor extendable living accommodation shed in the backyard without any permission installed permanent tiles, ran wiring in the shed for lighting, fans, for electrical devices and also for air conditioning.

When you get your license you are in control.