No one wants to turn in pay stubs, taxes, etc. if they can avoid it.

Due to covid, he stopped paying his share of the rent which is ok as I now have bigger problems to contend with.

No cash flow real estate investing can be frustrating to newbies... you are doing all the work, and not seeing any 'pay' for the effort except on paper where you property is worth more.  

It's not unusual to have tenants paying $800 pm what would be a $2000 plus market rate unit.TOPA in any of the jurisdictions that have it doesn't really concern me.

They have mixed reviews but apparently have a deal where they pay 20k in lender fees if they don’t close on time.

And we have non-commercial machines in the other properties that I'd like to convert to a pay per-use. 

I am looking to pay cash on distressed properties and to do the BRRRR method.I have a team in place but would be very interested in connecting with fellow investors, contractors, lenders, pretty much anyone who touches Birmingham real estate.Thanks so much, John

Begin by getting your first place in Manhattan, using your saved money and extra pay for more buys.

For plans that will pay off later, get into house hacking, save money for a first payment, meet people in local real estate groups and find a mentor, and put money into things that earn without much work like stock index funds or ETFs.

I do understand the draw having a tenant do this service and save some money, but sometimes paying the extra cash if worth more in the long run.Good luck,Noah