I think your very first step is to determine how much you can afford, and then go from there.

It was a major frustration given my expectation for a quick fix.

I myself would love to spend every morning walking the beach in La Jolla but I sure as heck can't afford any property there now. 

(He is probably frustrated internally as well because he is not done what he is primarily gifted at). 

Invariably, someone will provide a fact pattern that's faintly accurate but is frustrated because there is no one, simple Gordian Knot solution.

Yes, we want buyer with high equity and in a good neighborhood, but you might want to add some criteria like:1. where the house is at least 20 years old, because that's when they feel frustrated and want to move out or spend money for repairs2.

I provide affordable, safe, and fully functioning housing, and they give me rent payment in exchange.

Very frustrating, but my realtor says there's no recourse due to it being hard to prove.

Set up a plan and budget go over materials you want and can afford for it figure out whats worth the effort and whats not but of course first things first set up with a hard working A player real estate agent to help you find the best deals.

Although this will be offset with affordability.