If you go with a proper TK operator, your passive income should be greater than zero starting from the first year.

The fact they are complaining online might be an indication the property manager dealt with them properly so be sure to ask the manager for their side of the story.7.

I am looking into buying a pair of duplexes in TN (I live in Texas) and would like some advice.

Nobody on this forum can properly answer that question for you as there are too many variables. 

Given that you live in Dubai, have little experience and are unlikely to properly scout Houston, the latter is your best option.

Or do I need to tear it back open and install proper supports?

Even before the covid moratorium, they could live there for up to a year without paying anything until the city finally sends the Marshall to kick them out, provided you took immediate proper legal action (and they know how to play the game).

I'd say equity is going to be bit trickier properly if you want to have it legally defined.

Nothing is more valuable than knowledge when applied properly.

At tax time, we really relied on the end of year reports we got from Stessa to properly complete our taxes.