And you cant borrow this money unless you close on the dirt so you need the cash to do this or find someone like me that will basically JV with you..

What you’re seeing (solid summer, dead fall) is becoming pretty common.If you’re only clearing $50/month on long-term rent after paying the pool guy, that’s basically break-even — but break-even with stability isn’t the worst move right now.

I looked at your Profile and it's basically blank....A good start, as an aspiring professional, flesh out your profile with a little background, stats and goals.Mike

We basically now originate our own loans (commercial only, $400,000 - $5 million).  

Basically the benefits are rent building equity, appreciation, and tax deductions.

It won't help with this tenant but I have had many tenants where you had to go through basics on move in, you think they would know.

You’re able to learn the basics of a real estate investment with lower risk and build equity at the same time.

Quote from @Lucas De Carvalho: Lisa, tough spot...Vacancy bleeds you dry and the tenant pool right now is rough - a lot of people who want to rent can't clear basic screening.

Mine is a basic install where air handler is inside the house + condenser is right next to the house. 

Basically, in the end, I would just be paying him for the job with the equity money, but he would also gain future equities.