Fast forward to the end of the deal and we have been trying to get  payoff letter for weeks to no avail.

THEY ARE STEALING FROM YOU (remember your remark about him not even getting a fast food/entry level job? 

This approach will allow you to focus on the financial benefits rather than the day-to-day operational tasks.Additionally, consider how this rental income will contribute to your overall financial picture.

Quote from @Johnny Lynum: Quote from @Billy Smith: I like SFH in the A-B area rent it you do the  upkeep  doing as much as possible your self to help max your rent out .I like to pay down the note as fast as possible .If in a C-D area I would flip the SFH wash your hands of it.SFH are generally easier to unload if you get in a cash crunch, I like staying in the first time home buyers level of a SFH  keeping it in a hot zone .If I were a BIG fish I would do deals at various level's of course after  doing the home work . 

We had a light rain last night, but today It's sunny. 

It'll likely take a month or two assuming that the loan is with one of the large servicing companies that move at a glacial pace. 

Saul, Phoenix and Vegas are popular markets, but I’m not sure they’ll actually cash flow well with today’s prices and interest rates.

If I see a listing come up that I want access to ASAP, their value is earned by getting me in and drafting the contract as fast as possible.

Best part is that unlike the old UPREIT that triggered a tax if the initial property is sold, today’s structure is immune.

@Michael Fucillo You are not jumping the gun at all.  16 units is still a lot to manage by hand, and getting a system that makes your day to day easier is going to be key to your own sanity.