We have a home inspection business in Atlanta, GA and have performed many investors inspections.

With that risk in mind, isn't it easier and safer to invest in 100k houses and up and secure higher rents?

Continental and Secured are both good. 

Net income from Schedule C will result in both income tax and social security tax. 

Disclosure I have a small amount in Realtymogul in their Mogul Reit 1 and it pays out slightly less than 8% annualized on a monthly basis, this isnt to say it will always perform but so far it has done that for me however it is highly illiquid and it probably will remain that way. 

I firmly believe the best start to financial security is to own the home you live in. 

If I want invest in non-performing properties vs performing what to look for and what to expect?

We then hired a surveyor to survey the property so we could perform a duplex split.

My current plan is to start by securing a HELOC.

My other concern is that I don’t like tying up my money until almost age 60 & given the governments finances & what’s happening & about to happen to social security I don’t trust the Fed’s to even keep the Roth IRA benefits in tact to even the early adopters & others after it was promised too.