My check arrived a few days later via Fed Ex. 

If you're wanting to sell it when you move, or use it for equity leverage later, the first choice sounds better.  

I will message everyone later on today.

I was still waiting on my ex wife to refi the house (she kept it) so I knew i'd need to put closing as far as possible to make sure the bank could process everything as I'd need the refi money for the downpayment here.The seller accepted my offer and 2 days later a water heater blew up on them and apparently the tenant they were in the process of evicting did not notify them.

Personally, I'd suggest looking for a duplex to own and rent out the other half sooner rather than later if possible.  

Fun Fact: I ran into that same ex-tenant later and he admitted that their new place did come with some drawbacks, like a monthly $500 AC bill, vs. $200 in my property!

Last time it was on the market for 7 days, we offered on it and lost to the other offer. 2 weeks later, the deal is dead, and the seller's agent is contacting us.

Personally, I have very little startup capital so far so I started out with a single family that I'm renovating and will rent out within two years and I'm looking to buy a duplex later this year.  

Once the property is sold a year later, the proceeds are split between the investor and investing partner(s).

Can you attract different/better/more tenants by allowing pets.If you accept pets, insist on meeting the pets first, photograph them so there isn't a switcharoo later, and include plenty of language in the agreement about your expectations.