@Shawn Questa I agree with you that there could be some opportunity here, but personally, with that little equity in the property, I'd wait for the pre-foreclosure process to start and  perhaps you can do a short sale (though I don't know the details on how that's handled in TX).

Currently the other unit is empty and wasn't sure how to handle the taxes regarding this, so I am looking for refences of an accountant in the Phoenix Metro who does house hack taxes.If you have any other pieces of advice or wisdom for landlord and tenant rights it would be greatly appreciated. 

Once you have the discipline to handle what you already have, then you will be ready to invest.You are carrying a bucket with a hole in it.

I has two GREAT property managers that immediately come to mind, one handling 5 high end high rise condos I owned in Phoenix and the other one handling a 12 unit very lower end apartment building I owned in Arlington, Texas.  

I manage properties remotely and can handle all the leasing/management pretty easily with my team.

So, things change a bit.If it is his personal home, there are more restrictions.For an investment property, if you take over his financing, read through the deed of trust (mortgage) and see how they handle transfer of ownership.

If something needs tweaking, they handle it without making a fuss or dodging calls.3.

I highly recommend them to handle all the business structuring. 

My father is a certified contractor in NJ—he’s built one home, flipped four, and consistently handles upgrades and maintenance for me and his other clients.I’d appreciate any tips or stories from those who’ve turned equity into a profitable venture.

Educate all your tenants on how to report noise complaints and let the police handle it.