I'm genuinely hoping I wind up with a product I'm not finding today that will take away a bit of the worry.

I can't imagine buying a 1972 Ford Pinto (a very cheap economy car designed for fuel efficiency) and deciding that I wanted to transform it into a luxury sports car.

If you are a nice, genuine person, just speak that way to others and be patient with Sellers.  

But it's not cheap, as you'd expect if they're genuine. 

@Sean IllmanWhile I believe I understand the gist of your question, I'll through this out first just the same.Your downpayment is your equity in the property and is not something that rightfully needs to be repaid as your are not lending it, your are simply transforming it from cash into a piece of real property.That said, your question is really looking for the payback  - or, return if you will, on the capital you bring to the table to acquire and put the property into service.    

I understand people are dedicated and their lives genuinely do revolve around real estate (There is nothing wrong with that!)

I am genuinely interested in learning and I humbly seek knowledge and experience in higher levels of the real estate world.

Those really need to be donated or sold on Craigslist (Detroit Avenue comes to mind).I have had a bunch of investors come to me post-Sierra Realty (search the forums if you're unaware)...these properties are never what we expect them to be and the owners genuinely need help to avoid walking away from Toledo.

I've always found the Lucas County board here in Toledo to be made up of reasonable people who are appreciative we take our time to appear and are genuinely pleased that good landlords own in Toledo neighborhoods. 

Or, if one's rental property genuinely is their way of giving charity, then simply lease it out for well below market rent to some deserving family.