My plan was to buy this and live in it for a bit, but then eventually rented out as my first investment property. 

A self-directed IRA (SDIRA) can invest directly in real estate to avoid these issues.If you have 401k, you can take out loans without tax impact.

I find myself being very bullish towards MFA syndications here in Phoenix, this year.

I would suggest a sit down talk about this to give the others in the unit a heads up of the coming changes.

We were able to work a deal in the last 2 weeks before it was finalized, we had to pay the max amount of interest for back taxes and water bills and liens on the property.

The reality is the opposite - if it's not in writing then the PMC doesn't have to provide the service or can charge extra for it!

Were utilities on and paid in full at all times?

I agree with number 3 the most, as most of us who have been in the game for over 30 years will all say we shouldn't have sold so much.

Cashed in insurance policy they purchased years ago to help out their cousin starting out in insurance sales6.

Text and verbal agreements are legally binding in Virginia (where the rental is).I really believe she initially intended it to be a year long renewal, as she also remarked she was very happy, as it is only a block walk for her daughter to school.She now has a boyfriend (he hasn’t moved in), and a house they want to move into together, so she is giving notice.