Ex-wife and I are not on friendly terms. 

Be friendly (kind-considerate-respectful), firm (be clear about your expectations and have the moxie to address issues as they arise), fair (comply with the law, no favoritism, appropriate response to the situation) , fast (quick to respond to maintenance requests and other tenant concerns), and flexible (when the situation warrants).

If you didn't, I would talk with our friend Andrew H..

. :) (...and if you don't see it, ask - everyone has been quite friendly.) 

Dom, it sounds like you should touch base with a real estate friendly accountant, so that you can run some scenarios by him/her.

@Thomas Poloncarz Jr do you know any friendly lease options attorney in that area.

Hi friends,  purchased my first rental in may this year, got it rented in mid June, signed a 12 month contract with tenant, about a week ago tenant sent me an 'official' email that there is a mice/rat problem, although there were cheaper options I went with professionals who were charging me 7-8x only because this is a long term investment and I wanted to get it solved, the pest professionals sealed the attic and set traps, they followed by couple of times to remove traps and refill bait boxes, my tenant now sent me lease termination letter citing health concerns due to mice/rat problem, they paid for current sept month and said that I can keep half the deposit for Oct.What should I do here, they have three small kids so I understand the reason for concern but I am also doing my best to solve the issue, should I go ahead and accept their termination or should I fight it out, not sure if involving lawyer is good as I am trying to make some cash flow and not lose it.. please advice also I am from Texas and would love to hear about TX law on this.

Does anyone know if there are any investor friendly brokers out here in south eastern Missouri?  

Other alternatives for seed capital would be private financing from a friend or family member or partner up with someone who has the funds.

There should be some good investor friendly places around where you can hang your license.