Only downside is that buying a house now is so high it's almost not worth the effort it seems.

While it may seem like a high fee you'd be hard placed to replace those services with a paid employee and do better than you're paying now.My problem with the deal is the $5,000 setup fee.

Big picture - buy properties in medium to high demand locations where you don't have to stress over vacancy or this type of question. 

High standards and ethical practices will build your reputation.Shifting your mindset to treating real estate investing as a serious business is fundamental to success.

High standards and ethical practices will build your reputation.Shifting your mindset to treating real estate investing as a serious business is fundamental to success.

High standards and ethical practices will build your reputation.Shifting your mindset to treating real estate investing as a serious business is fundamental to success.

I am truly a private lender, (I have a different full time job) and have done lending with one person I know and trust, he came highly recommended.  

Like you, I also value Family, Health, and Personal Growth highly.

Types of investors who want to find hard money lenders include:Investors with high debt-to-income ratiosProperty investors who cannot get a loan from a traditional lender or bankInvestment property developers who need fast access to fundsCommercial property developers who need a bridge loan but cannot get one from a traditional bankSometimes, homeowners facing foreclosure may utilize hard money loans to avoid losing their homes.https://www.biggerpockets.com/blog/how-to-become-a-hard-mone...

I would highly recommend hiring a lawyer to understand the eviction process and to help with the Rental Agreement.