I read a great quote recently, "Doubt kills more dreams than Failure ever will"If you want to do it then you will.

I am used to showing an apartment to new tenants while it is still occupied and signing a new lease 2-3 months in advance, but given work that needs to be done and the attitude of the tenant I doubt that will be an option.  

You will doubt yourself on this journey more than once.  

I doubt they would have initiated a land contract, as that's usually something suggested/demanded by a lender, nor a borrower.    

If in doubt get a "Co-signer". 

I have totally put 700 sq ft of carpet and pad and a kitchen on the curb, just not all at once.My favorite trick is when I have a lot of cement or plaster from a minor demo (my walls weigh like 20lb /sq ft). 

Additionally, flat out asking for a handout because you're a school teacher is also pretty off-putting (to me) and I doubt many serious investors are going to consider handing off a sweet deal to someone who isn't interested in working to be successful.

I doubt the listing agent would be willing to drop his/her commission because you did not have an agent.

It without a doubt, gets easier after your first deal and is extremely worth it.Anyways.

Social Security cannot be garnished, so they are not only uncollectable, but you couldn't be taking any money from her and I doubt you would be paid by her willingly (so you're not taking food off their table).