They paid a couple years then got slow,  then quit paying.

Taking the house off the market for "slow" season is not going to help you sell your house.

Slow and steady wins the race. 

It caused a lot of conflict and slowed down the deal.

I explained again her money was in a loan and that she would receive payments until the loan came due.Well, even though she clearly understood that, she claimed she didn't understand that at all and she said she'd pay a small penalty for her early withdrawal if that's what it took.

Roth IRA contributions are available for withdrawal at any time.  

In slow markets, buy the perfect square typical homes.

Now is a good time to buy, as the winter months typically slow down active buyers which makes sellers more motivated.

Seems like doing it yourself is a potentially very slow way to do it and if financed will eat up profits.

But I've learned by going through the courts to get money from a tenant, that it is very slow and arduous and chances are good you will not end up with any more money, and probably less.