I see this as the best direction moving forward as my family and I leave military behind.

I would try to leave exterior, landscaping, and yard work and the final steps. 

So I received 80% of the equity, leaving 20% in the home, and losing a few thousand from all of the closing costs, appraisal fees, etc.

If you have a good amount of money in your 401K or Pension, have a stable job you don't plan on leaving in 5 years, or don't plan on retiring anytime soon, you can take out a loan from both or either of those retirement funds to use as capital and invest with it.

Our objective is to eliminate water / humidity near the building foundation and also get rid of these hedges that just trap leaves and trash beneath them.

@Michael PlaksThe scales have fallen from my eyes and I have been enlightened with the ray of pure and perfect knowledge that you have chosen to shine upon me in my benighted ignorance.

Partnering could also mean they bring 50% of the money rather than $50K, leaving you money leftover for another investment.  

Unfortunately our rural towns have been dying since the 50s/60s - which is sad as there are lots of cool and fascinating places - but it all happens slowly - first a large employer leaves, or maybe there's a farming crisis, tax revenue decreases, then folks with younger kids move away or the younger kids grow up then they immediately leave then never come back, then the schools start to die, then the schools close, then no one wants to live there, then the local hospitals or clinics lose fed or state funds then they close, their workers leave etc. 

So if this tenant leaves "legally" at the end of the leave, you're could lose 13 days rent.

I feel that would leave me with no debt and in a position of flexibility.