@Steven Paul we started with a flip and tax liens, as mentioned, the tax properties may take time, but we average 27% return (18%annually), so can double quick, plus have picked up a few properties over the years, so that can be your BIG ticket into investing.  

Unless you are willing to commit working full time at both, I'd pick a one and stick with it.

I am a wholesaler who picks up properties in Jacksonville,fl fairly often.

Being on the investor side of syndication would be a great way to start for anyone who lives in a hot market and can't exactly pick up and move to start full time in RE, heck just reading an executive summery that was put together by a half way decent RE syndicator is excellent education in and of itself!  

https://www.biggerpockets.com/real-estate-investing This guide will give you a very thorough overview of real estate investing and help you pick your niche.Be sure to download and listen to the Bigger Pockets podcasts.

Our problems is this, even though we muster up the courage to get everything fixed, I have a feeling this tenant will keep on giving us headache one way or another, by either breaking something and asking for us to fix it or asking the city to do unscheduled inspections (which they have done in the past) to point out random problems giving us a contest source of stress.

The hose on those trucks is really large. yes....houses like this scare away 95% of the buyers but as long as the bones,electrical,plumbing, hvac are in good working order then pick up houses like this for cheap!

They claim they are paying by certified check or money order when I come to pick up the rent.

Just don't quit your day job just yet--once your business gains some traction and is earning you money, and the day job is costing you more than its earning you, that's the time to take a serious look at your next career move.As to all of the investment options, you have to pick the one that best fits your objectives and works in your market.

If you have a little money I would pick fix and flip.