My early new year's resolution is to focus on working tenants who have stuff to do during the day.

You would approach your "new real estate partner" with the facts: You've (hopefully) got a record 1/2 undivided interest AND possession and his share is worth much less that 1/2 of ARV due to the following list of reasons...It's no longer a dispute between two spouses and does not have to be emotionally charged or difficult to resolve and attorneys CAN be avoided IF a realistic resolution is agreed upon.Remember: you didn't cause your current seller's problem and they have nothing without your help.

Account ClosedDid you find a resolution to this? 

Hi Lisa,I don't have any advice to offer but my deepest condolences for his losses and yours.That's a lot of added emotional impact on an already difficult business transaction.Praying for wisdom and peaceful resolution for you!

No one here has read your contract and that is what the the resolution will rest upon. 

TYIA :)  @Kaitlyn Beard   Just curious, did you get a resolution?

To appeal, the tenant has to pay the court the entirety of the money due, which the court will hold for you until the resolution of the proceedings. 

You may even find someone willing to help without you adding anything to their lives but the fact that they know they're helping someone.But, in the spirit of the new year, and presumably a new year's resolution you may or may not have made - it all comes down to whether you will have the courage and persistence to continue when it gets tough, when you're told no, when you don't know what to or how to do it, and when it's just scary.

On the state level, Ohio law (Section 5321.19) currently does not permit rent control (emphasis is mine):(A) Except as provided in division (B) of this section, no political subdivision may enact, adopt,renew, maintain, enforce, or continue in existence any charter provision, ordinance, resolution, rule, or other measure that is in conflict with this chapter, or that regulates the rights and obligations of parties to a rental agreement that are regulated by this chapter, including, without limitation, by any way imposing or requiring rent control or rent stabilization.If you read the text of the proposed federal bill, the stop predatory investing act, only future investments would be impacted:(b) EFFECTIVE DATE.

@Wesley McDavidI suggest considering various scenarios in which this could go downhill and make sure you have good, mutually agreed upon resolutions/off ramps.Some that quickly come to mind are:>>  What happens after 2 years and she's paid back her half of the down payment?