There must be some fee for the upkeep of the grounds and lawn maintenance I'm sure.

I tried to get a mastermind group going awhile back but it didn't get off the ground. 

If you set a contract up with completion dates and phases of completion along the way, then require reports that coincide with the phases - it solves a lot of problems.  

I finished my classes in just three weeks, and passed my exam just a few days later, so I know there is a lot to learn to even get myself out there, and I am ready to hit the ground running. 

If you need some help on the ground in Memphis, feel free to reach out.  

Lenders for this product generally want a (boots on the ground) owner who is local that way if there is a problem they are not chasing someone down in another state or country about what to do for fixing a problem the property is having.

A very simple way to start might be one of those websites that give you cost per daft estimates for different repairs.It sounds like you are in the learning phase, so do lots of reading and maybe see if you can find some properties to evaluate for practice.

My brother-in-law has previous experience in doing contract work (from building home from the ground up to renovation work) which I believe will be a big help.

Call RamJack or one of these foundation companies that place pillars in the ground for homes.

There is often a happy middle ground where you are not giving up any legal rights but also maintain the trust of your tenants.