You do not have to do any repairs if rent is unpaid unless its health/safety related.

Vermin problems affect the health and safety of the renter.If you can meet the pest control tech at the property and walk the property with them, all the better.Be ready to take some cell phone pics of places the person highlights as needing fixing so you don't forget.Or maybe you can do it all over the phone with the tech taking the pics for you (???)

He was extremely helpful and patient (with my ignorance), but I walked away feeling like it was too complicated and expensive for a relatively small transaction.

My investing goal is to make enough money where if I lose my job I have a safety net.

Just try to be sympathetic and patient but also be firm on the fact that you are owed the rent as agreed upon.

I strategically took steps, had a plan and was patient. 

There is currently over $15,000 still owed to me.I have tried to be as patient as possible.

ppl will underestimate you for your age - understanding the numbers as a teen is more impressive to potential mentors than just spotting uncut lawns. youtube "how to run comps". try a social experiment and offer to cut their unkept grass if you really want to find out their motivation and build rapport. then use the $20 to buy colored envelopes and vumber subscription and print copies of your "i work with investors" letters and drop in owner's mailboxes - no stamp or return address needed. be patient and prepared to get a call back 7 months later when they finally reached their distressed limit (also dont take the angry call backs personal). youre protected by youth. lol

Unfortunately I don't think safety come in to every landlord's mind, which brings me to my question. 

It makes sense to be "fearful" during this tumultuous times and wait for things to settle.We'll see a market correction and then those of us that are patient will pick up some sweet deals again.