Worst case look for temporary tenants to move in for the time being that way rent can cover some, if not all, of the holding costs. 

Or - if you have some sort of online child support account portal - just login and print out your record of payments along with your account summary showing the balance owed is zero and the fact that you're all current.

I don't feel we are at the stage of needing any sort of a management company and this is my sole job right now so I've got the time to learn. 

See if you can negotiate some sort of compromise if they kick-back, which would be understandable as well.Good luck! 

Worst case would be two good options!!

Maybe we can do some sort of joint venture...

That is the vehicle most commonly used to establish and enforce the operating rules of any sort of partnership.

Want and ability are two very different things, sort out which this is before you waste a ton of time on details and logistics.A tenant that wants to buy a $300k house for $150k is not worth your time ironing out all the details, once they show you a preapproval letter for what you are willing to sell for then you can figure out the rest.

I prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Or not until you have actually spent that money on some sort or repairs.