There is a certain level investment needed (time, energy, and money) to make any business venture successful.

It was like pouring gasoline straight from the distillation column on the small fire I had to start this new venture.

This is not a DIY thing to do.And, you also have the option of her assigning the property to a tenants in common ownership with you and the heirs with a "TIC Agreement" allowing you to purchase the property from other owners.

Now keep 2 sets of cards on you at all times - one for the job another for the new venture.  

a reasonable after expense net should be 1% a month, or 12% a year after tax considerations. a property management team with depth in that arena is just as essential as a co-venturing partner that may position you to derive that 12% yield on a fully passive basis.

I've seen some DIY books that went through the process pretty well.

I remember three years ago I was doing a shower wall in a cold basement and troweling too-stiff tile mortar on the wall, an utter despair of the soul welling up in me, wondering how my life had come to this from what I imagined it would be when I was in college, when my parents celebrated every academic achievement with enormous pride.And I'm a big guy with a long history in DIY, an extensive family history in renovation.

I am one of those investors who absolutely hates to do anything DIY.

The first was that I didn't really know that I should be doing this, I kind of assumed it was a bit of a DIY situation at the outset.  

Not sure when that will be, because both brothers have their own retirements do not need the income from our venture.