What she thinks I ought to do is make the tenant financially responsible for the rent of the entire Lease Contract (1 year).

The goal is to use real estate as a vehicle to achieve financial independence! 

My end goal is financial independence and my plan is to use my savings from my W2 job to invest in more passively managed real estate that will cash flow positive and build equity over time.

I am in the same boat looking at becoming Financially Free with Real Estate.

Might talk to local property managers to see what they say.I personally wouldn't use a live-in property manager for a multi this small, just doesn't make financial sense compared to paying 8-10% for an outside manager.

Half them leave after being served notice and the other half don't even show up in court.

The constable served them finally and we have court on the 25th.The lease expires in July, with so many tenant rights and the judge tends to be more on the tenant side will some kind of loophole pop up that might grant them more time?

From what im finding, some home owners are just "tired of their home", "in a financial bind and need quick money (regardless if they get the value of their home or not?)"

I have have also heard good things about Vibrant.All this, of course, depends on your financial state,  experience and and the deal.

If you plan to do that it is okay but remember to run your numbers with that scenario.Brandon has said many times the first property you buy won't make you financially rich... it's the education and confidence that will lead you to the next deal and the next deal and the next deal... that will.