I can buy reasonably inexpensively plus I make a profit from their negligence.

I would also like to work for a brokerage that could help me generate leads (feel free to call me out if this is a naive expectation).What I can’t offer in experience to my future brokerage, I will make up for with drive and a willingness to learn.

When the down turn happened the dogs took all the profits from the good ones.

We didn't make any profits last year so shouldn't be too hard right?

I am looking to sink my teeth into the next deal and am looking for a residential property below $150,000 in the southeast with the potential to generate 15% cash on cash return. 

Condos are rarely good investments anyway; the HOA fees eat most of the profits. 

From what I understand, having rentals in a Roth IRA would be smart because all rental profit at retirement would essentially be tax free.

Second, note buying was profitable during the downturn. 

I would suggest looking at:The Best Types of Markets for Profitable Turnkey PropertiesandWhat to Ask When Working With a Turnkey Provider

The profitability of the home would not matter, the tax deduction would more than make up for it.