I’m simply going to have to restate what I already said and stick with that. 3K is small as far as a hold back.

With inflation normalizing, the Fed is simply returning rates to a neutral level and they are guessing at the pace of cuts to get there (just like they guessed (wrongly) when keeping rates too low).

I told them I hadn’t asked for any, I simply wanted out I have never found a guru who honored refunds.

I simply thought putting it out there in the Forum might keep someone from unknowingly buying something that might leave you out to dry.

If the house value goes down, the tenant has the option to simply not purchase and you would keep their option money.

.  --- and... these issues become issues for the other Tenant and then turns you into the constant 'utility police' because you constantly have to monitor # of occupants... eww. 50/50 is simple and simply understood and 100% while vacant is also simply understood.

I've worked for several PM firms in the area and one company stole like 30k in commissions from me when I no longer wanted to work at their god awful company.I can definitely advise you on some property management companies to stay away from, as well as some new and upcoming property management companies in the area that are taking a more hands on and professional approach.  

Then, upon resale, does this private lender simply inform the title company of the payoff?

So, you can't simply trust them to handle things on your behalf and often communication is challenging especially if they choose to make it that way. 

I think you need to start by figuring out what you’re near term goals are - are you wanting to generate enough cash flow to offset W2 income, are you simply wanting to supplement your retirement, are you looking for significant tax advantages etc.