You can throw it into low cost Vanguard index funds (aggressive) or less aggressive Vanguard bonds and at least earn 3% on your money now.

He gave the tenant a reduced rent in lieu of yard maintenance and minor repairs. 

Cash>Check>ACH>Credit card.Credit card: Disputable up to 90 days by the click of a button with minimal verification relative to the other methodsACH: Disputable up to 60 days by informing the bank in writing (and with a higher level of verification by the bank)Check: Disputable up to 30 days after the customer’s bank statement is issued and requires the customer to prove fraud or identity theftCash: is king - however the chances of getting your tenants to send you cash every month is nilThe goal of any investment is to reduce risk (or be duly compensated for accepting additional risk).

At 0200 AM in the morning, when I have to be at work at 0800 AM; I was watching the tax bill debate live for a whole week straight prior to it being passed.If you want it that bad, you have to earn it.

Best advice here is going to be to find out if there is any free or reduced priced legal aid offered to tenants for landlord/tenant disputes.

--Question--To reduce my housing costs to $0 or cashflow positive I have come up with two potential scenarios....Scenario 1:Move into a two bedroom apartment in Manhattan and rent the extra bedroom to break even on my monthly living costs. 

I spoke with one, but they charge 1 months rent as "finders fee" that reduces my monthly cash flow lower than I want to go.

IMHO, it's much better to share the profit and reduce your risk than to go it alone and lose money you can't afford to lose.

Try to get creative so you don't have to risk it all and you also get to learn the business while you earn.

Does anyone have a guide for self employed people or small businesses that explains the ins and outs to taxes so you can reduce tax liability, but also get access to loans from banks?