It has really changed my outlook on real estate investing and given me that extra motivation and reassurance I think is needed to make that first leap.Andres

I want this to encourage and motivate you.

The other structure that came long in 2004 in response to wall street wanting a product to access 1031 money was blessed as the Delaware Statutory trust.  

As mentioned above, I found someone local to learn from and that has been very productive. 

Some recent examples are Scott Sutherland, Rod Khleif (a motivational speaker as well as investor--man did he have some interesting psychology insight!)

Rent to own is an excellent strategy but it's not for individuals in the situations your tenants are in.

Then it's on the individual to pay their bills like a good citizen.  

At some point did you feel like the deal want going to go through and what was your motivation to keep pushing when you were faced with so many road blocks like the roof needing to be updated?

Classic case of a city that once manufactured one or more products and had a strong blue collar influence, but now is mainly low income service jobs.  

There may be some different sectors out there where you could take the peak sale of that duplex and put it into some higher production.