It can definitely be frustrating.One thing I'd encourage your friend to keep in mind is that the tenant is a person and their housing depends on this process.

Title companies often have a business development person that goes after real estate investors, offering foreclosure lists as an incentive.

@Anthony Quint I personally decided to stay in CAN and not venture into the US.

I'm working to get my personal finances well established/understood, which I think will help me determine my best path forward.

Personally I have never heard of them.

If they had instead used the money to get started, with personal research and due diligence, they would be lightyears ahead.Maybe I should start a YT channel.

Ultimately I like to control my own notes so its not for me personally. 

The property is managed by a contracted company.

If you tell them you're a landlord and you own the property but aren't living in it, they should be able to quote you for liability, the house, and a much smaller amount of personal property (appliances like your fridge or stove)

It's not a great time to refi if you wanted the equity from it, but it sounds like you are going to trade this house to do the same thing again so why not keep it and do the same thing again since you are thinking you might need to go big on your personal residence next?