Whereas I (and others) continually urge them to stop being lazy and do their own research....go on VRBO and ABNB and look at the competition. 1) What are they charging?

People can't afford to buy so they continue renting (and stay longer!).

I continue to get stuck at this step Thank you for asking the question!

But when it's equity gains, no tax, only at time of sale and if you 1031 Uncle Sam let's you continue to use that tax-$ for investing purposes.

If you can identify your real drive, maintain consistency and discipline, and continue networking with other like-minded individuals, I think you will eventually find great success one day.

I'll continue to make it clear that I won't bend on rent collection while being nice & sympathetic.

They had caught some trespassers.We have continued to upgrade our security systems as capabilities have increased and costs have decreased.  

Interest rates atm seem quite high so will ride this out a bit longer (and ratios will continue to improve over time.) 

You're first deal is never your "best deal", but is likely your "most important" deal if you continue to invest.

My goal is to continue to buy 3-4 condos like this one and use the snowball strategy to pay off these condos quickly so I can build up my passive income(ideally $20k+ a year from 1 paid off condo).