Get your brother evicted as well, seems like family relationships are not a concern considering the lack of respect to you, or your property.

Code §92.0562.Lack of Parts = 15 daysLack of Labor = 30 daysFailure to Repair RemediesIf a landlord is liable for failing to repair, the tenant may terminate the lease.

That seems like the logical thing to do, however it seems like I'm wasting an amazing opportunity for lack of knowledge and acquired resources (investors, cash buyers, etc)I seek advice from those that know more about this than me as I have yet to get my first deal. 

I’ve been leaning toward the vacation rental precisely because of the lack of a mortgage.

There's no recourse for stupid and this wasn't legally an issue but it does demonstrate a lack of understanding about your property and the tenant profile.  

@Craig Clark, if you feel like you have found a diamond in the ruff and your resources are lacking in a few areas, you still should be able to find a partner, if you feel the deal is good enough head out to your local REIAs and connect with other investors there who may want to partner with you, if the deal has enough merit

How's it going BP,I am wrapping up a flip property that I am partnered on (The partnership is not going as planned and he lacks the necessary motivation, but does have his realtor license... for now).

WSJ says in this recent article that "despite historically low mortgage rates and rising wages, the housing sector has been strained by a low inventory of affordable homes propelled by rising construction costs and lack of land." 

I'm at the stage where I'm discouraged due to the lack of startup funds.

This may be true but the lack of experience bleeds through when rehab costs are grossly incorrect because of lack of education on what it takes to rehab a home, apartment, etc.