It is required to have a building permit/inspection and hire licensed professionals for Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, and structural engineering for load bearing, gas line work, and septic systems. 

Note that I don't have a material interest in supporting either the bull or bear narrative. 

They bear the responsibility to pay you (again).Now, it's also on them to raise the issue with Police/USPS IG and get that investigated but work it out with them by tacking on a payment plan over say two years?

My go to is Brown Bear, Tyler Shirk

There are duplexes for sale in Big Bear Lake.

That makes your next purchase less risky due to higher reserves and the ability to earn interest on your cash if you put it in an interest bearing account until you need to use it which will counter the mortgage rate being higher.You will also get a lower payment on a 30 year refinance versus a shot term line of credit usually around 10-15 years on a 9-12% rate versus a 6.75% to 7% with good credit.

Here is our experience:  There is considerable potential to manage a yield-bearing asset, but as @Alice V. mentioned, insurance costs have soared, to $1,250 per door.  

Virginia doesn’t have many requirements around a security deposit: doesn’t require an interest bearing account or for me to return interest if it earns any.

A tenants decision to leave or quit employment has no bearing on the obligations to follow the lease. 

I've gotten my bearings and have a cash-flowing triplex banking a little over $1500 / month, and am starting to look at acquiring more properties once I can find another good deal.