This may mean picking up something that needs work or something that has a unique issue that turns homeowners away that you might need to fix at some point, but it's possible to still make money in GR.

Because the cosigner is not responsible for mowing the lawn or reporting maintenance issues, they have no rights to the rental, and I don't want to communicate with them about anything but the money. 

Parents as co-sign which mitigates that issue 99/100 I believe. - Available for FHA - 23 years old, live with my parents and I love it, as do they, so no rush to move out.- Hard/smart worker.

We had to fly to Marbella to get all the legal paperwork done.

My issue with many guru's, even the "better ones" is most seem to never put their money where their mouth is.  

Legal Compliance: Ensure you're on top of zoning laws, landlord-tenant laws, and that your contracts are solid.

Foundation issues can cause all kinds of problems

First, I requested an amicable parting of ways which the PM agreed to (multiple differences of opinion, cleaning issues, etc.).

They are getting what they really want, and you are crafting the deal to where it will still make sense for you.One potential issue is if what is most important to them is also important to you.

I would forget that play it simply is not legal in  most scenarios IE you dont have the license to do it.. you need MLO and NMLS registartion to do any owner occ.. now if its non owner occ thats another story.