Payments that you make normally fall into one of 3 buckets100% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnPartial payment can be factored somewhere on the return0% of the payment can be factored in somewhere on the returnHouse-hacking also has considerable tax implications in the event that you want to sell this property.You can potentially defer a portion or all of the gain on the investment property with 1031 exclusion.You can potentially exclude a portion or all of the gain on the personal residence with section 121 exclusion

I don't know your market, but I'd bet the $400-$800 rent range is a tough market for a newbie to manage rentals in because the tenant class could be challenging and because maintenance, capex, etc. may end up eating a lot (or all) of your cash flow since there isn't a whole lot of rent to cover those items.

Imagine our surprise to find "Great Stuff" sprayed everywhere, including inside the outlet and light switch cavities of interior walls!

However, even if you have done some or all of them, make sure you have a reputable and knowledgable lawyer on your team.

Secondly, I do not have a high confidence he is still at that address of record, or alive, for that matter.

As an aside, RPM who is mentioned in the thread above does not have contractors for Detroit or all cities. 

Ideally I would like open an online savings account such as Barclays or Ally online saving account for this purpose.  

Was is from increased vacancy, increased concessions, decreased rent, or all of the above.  

If the leases are month to month agreements then it would be incredibly easy to not renew their leases (one-by-one like @Sam Shueh recommended or all at the same time), rehab the units, and get them leased at the higher market rents. 

Contractors are not typically good at design or all the little details typically done by the owner or project manager.It is very unique to find someone who is both a contractor and investor who understands the investment dollar and race against time plus the design abilities.