I've seen posts about semi-war zones but nothing about full on war zones.Now when I say war zone I'm talking about very ghetto areas (drugs, guns, gangs, the whole 9 yards).

So rather than taking on more debt to buy another single family home, that is what I decided to do.If I were your age (I am semi-retired so different goals)  and just starting out I would try to get a partner, even two.  

So it's never too late.I started in Real Estate in my late 20's, didn't get serious until I was able to walk away from my contracting business after getting injured in my late 30's, then semi-retired I started a real estate note business in my late 40's and haven't looked back since.

@Alex Johnson I have clients who have reached an agreement with the tenant to pay for a month or two at a Residence Inn or one of those semi condo like long term stay hotels ( with a kitchen, living area and 2 bedrooms), and storage unit for the same time period.

Assuming you are on semi decent good terms, call up your local code enforcement and ask them what the process is to apply for a variance.2.

Welcome Austin, Im also a semi newbie and attended the last Bad *** REI meetup. 

Should provide tenant payment information, full leasing and financial reporting, etc.Perhaps you suggest a standing monthly or quarterly check-in, as well as quarterly or semi-annual property inspections.Solution to #2 – there should be a clause in the management contract that provides a threshold where any work above a certain amount requires owner approval (emergencies are handled separately).

I use ACH to get my rent and have only had ONE late in over 9 years.Today I am 'semi-retired' and still don't have much to do with my properties.  

I went the semi monthly route just because it's way easier for me to track.

And from there it's going to be 2 years (of birthday and xmas cards, of semi-annual "just checking in, how's the house going?"