Taking in the content sounds like a great starting point, and teaming up with someone experienced in these deals is a fantastic idea.

The culture shock hit us immediately, and we struggled at first—it wasn’t easy, but we were committed.Unfortunately, that initial investment didn’t pan out.

Sounds like you have built a great portfolio, looking forward to perhaps linking up!

But the moment you say "well that sounds awesome, can you get that over to me in writing" it instantly turns into uhm's ah's and but's. 

It looks like a nice house but its next to a gas station & now it won't rent or the tenant is not a quality tenant since they are willing to live next door to a gas station.4 - If its sounds too good to be true or it seems too easy, run away very fast.

It's easy to get bogged down by too much software in today's world.

Renovating a 3-unit townhouse sounds like a great project.How’s the process going so far? 

I don't think its as easy as people make it out to be. 

Quote from @Carlyn Chism: Please share lenders who are low credit score friendly and or hard money lenders that are easy to work with, e.g. won’t tie your money up in draws. 

It very well could become a large enough investment to be worthwhile, also solving for "unexpected emergencies ", for the most part and would an easy self management situation if you were to live onsite in one of your connected townhomes.