I want to invest in properties I'd live in, and net at least $500 per month per unit to be worth the work.What I don't want: I don't want to flip houses, BRRRR, or make life miserable for my tenants.

Assuming you own a single family home with off-street parking, you may consider fencing the property now/in the future, even though it's not your responsibility as bad neighbors can make for a miserable rental property experience.2.

My attempts in the past to find labor outside my immediate circle have failed miserably with poor work ethic and overcharging.

I completely understand covering my end business expenses  and am not trying to be a miser but i am also on a budget. 

It'll be miserable. 

Tenants can make your life great or they can make it miserable - don't let just anyone live in your propertyWe were lucky to have great tenants our first year and never had to worry about rent coming in the door.

Do what it takes to make their lives miserable.....have you been to BOD meetings and expressed your concerns?

Want to make me miserable?

Likely they will lawyer up, protest the sale, and make your life miserable and expensive while you try to fight.How they handle with the original borrower....I would say read your loan documents for an example. 

As a scientist you would fail miserably.