In your case your tenant seems to be Perpetually behind.

What you're describing is some kind of perpetual, non-callable debt that doesn't have a stated interest or discount, doesn't obligate the debtor to make payments, and allows the debtee to share an agreed upon percentage in the profits of the property. 

BTW - He's on permanent disability (unnoticable) and his income benefits are perpetual. 

Of course with a bigger house the profit is much bigger when the mortgage is finally paid for, but I' m not sure if I ever want to snowball my payments or if I should always just perpetually maximize equity returns.

There are several different types of attorneys which may cross over the real estate arena including a stereotypical real estate lawyer who might deal with landlord/tenant law and evictions, a tax attorney who might deal with structuring of transactions and sales, an estate planner who may help look at transferring the property with the least amount of issues, etc.? 

People say I'm perpetually living outside the box; I don't have a box to live outside of.I'm helpful, and I need help.

To me this property doesn't fit the "stereotypical rental house" I have in my head.

I don’t want this to be a discussion on types or stereotypes of renters.

I know the whole, "deals aren't found on the MLS" stereotype, but even in those scenarios the MLS provides an inkling of the kind of opportunities available, and I'd like to understand how I can educate myself on the approach.

I have bad credit due to credit inquiries" is a myth perpetuated by those who cannot take personal responsibility; these same people tend to be the most vocal, which makes this nonsense appear credible.