But it doesn't end there - you need to take action in order to reap the rewards of your investment.

That's a long time of risk with no reward especially for a first investment property. 

And it happens in my mind B/C they do it to them selves.. they try to buy for highest yield not understanding the risk / reward factors. 

It's important to remember that each strategy has its own unique risks and rewards, and that finding the right approach will depend on your individual circumstances and goals.

The fact that you approached them with an offer of cash-for-keys (a method of rewarding bad behavior, in my opinion) shows that you're operating on luck instead of skill.I recommend consulting an attorney to see how you can end this lease as quickly as possible.

Otherwise, there are easier businesses that quite frankly are more profitable and more rewarding.  

It’s more a long term effort - but definitely can be a rewarding one.  

@Christy ByrdWelcome rewarding to help solve a problem.There is a homeless veterans program which provides a 1 year housing allowance.

In short, there was risk and reward, and I felt they were fairly well matched. 

Make it a win win and you will be rewarded and so will they.