It wouldn't be a big deal if it were just mail but my tenant tells me that this person has had police stop by with summons and people constantly coming by trying to serve court papers.

It's also different if you are known to have resources like a target on your back or if you have nothing, nothing can keep you out of court too.

If that doesn't appeal to you either then perhaps buying all cash, perhaps in a less expensive area, then financing the property after it "seasons" would be an option.

This is not law, but if an objection is raised during the notice period, your deal could escalate into one requiring court confirmation.

Would obtaining my licence and learning the market from a real estate agent make me more appealing for mentorship and deal making ?

So once more, as a pointed question: If you are able to fully pay off a rental unit, -VS- keeping a note with interest on it, which one is more appealing?

On the other hand, if the deal is just "good", your track record is thin, and the investors you are trying to court have never worked with you before, the structure is going to have to lean much more heavily in the investor's favor.

After you have studied the Free Beginners guide here, then you need to determine what aspect of real estate appeals to you.

These war zones... you mentioned long term investing strategies... would that appeal to buy and hold investors?

Lastly, it lacks some serious curb appeal and would need work on the outside.I heard about bigger pockets from a friend in real estate.