I wouldn’t come up and say I am new in the business but if someone ask me I’ll be honest, that may work for some, but not others, it who cares anyways, you won’t get everyone, you want those that will want to do business with you.I will also reiterate that even if you are brand new and some ask you, turn around to a positive, if they say “but so and so has been in the business 20 years and have done many transactions blah blah blah” you can turn it around “you know mr and mrs seller, that is a great agent with a great track record, but don’t mind my asking, they are doing so many deals a month and so and so a year, how much time do you think they would dedicate to your home?”

(B) A purchase agreement may provide that in the event of a dispute regarding the disbursement of the earnest money, the broker will return the money to the purchaser without notice to the parties unless, within two years from the date the earnest money was deposited in the broker's trust or special account, the broker has received one of the following:(1) Written instructions signed by both parties specifying how the money is to be disbursed;(2) Written notice that a court action to resolve the dispute has been filed.

A magistrate is the lowest level judge who deals with landlord/tenant and small claims cases but they don't even need to be a lawyer to get that position. 

I would lean towards recommending that you pursue the deal - plus having the property remain in your family may be a net positive for you and your extended family regardless of the ultimate financial return. 

When I run the numbers based on these rents, the property operates at a negative cash flow.If I increase the studio's rent to $1,400 per month, the property becomes cash-flow positive.

Again, crickets and no action from her.

On crime... one positive trend is that APD, in partnership with the courts, has lowered the previously skyrocketing murder rate.

As others have pointed out, you are actually in a great position!

Given your stated position of things, assumptions of skills and network, I'd say your best path is a totally different one. 

Its a work in progress but fun to look back and see how the planning, education, and small actions have resulted in an amazing transformation of my lifestyle and wealth.