This alone really turned me off, we stay in hotels now and I have gotten similar feed back from other friends and family members.

We’re in the exact same boat my friend.

Just google the following: - special assessment - zombie condos - Florida condos (look for recent news)Since you are not living near the properties anyways, why not look in a landlord friendly state where the purchase prices are lower?

If you are in a state where eviction cost is high and it is tenant friendly you may need a higher credit score to offset default risk and eviction cost.If you are in a landlord friendly state where it is easier to get non paying tenants out you may be able to handle more none payment risk.  

Quote from @Michael Poloncic: Three individuals signed a lease together, all friends, the lease is set up where each of them are expected to pay 1/3 of the rent.

That’s a serious swing, and I’ve seen something a bit like this before with a friend of mine who tackled a teardown project in a quieter part of Austin.

They are investor friendly and popular amongst wholesalers.

As long as the husband continues to pay rent for a couple more months, I will let the ex off the lease. 

While I often “trade” properties, a friend of mine is a buy and hold guy.  

I only tell that stuff to my friends and people I like.