Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

In this case the desperate borrower accepted a rather modest settlement.  

Everything you need to know is available in books, podcasts, blogs, and the forums.

I have learned a lot from free information available on YouTube, forums, and blogs.

From the calculators I've looked at, it seems like it makes more sense very-long-term to hold on, but I'd love other's thoughts/resources (I'm not passionate about passing on as-much-as-possible to my kids when I die).From a blog post on this site about when to sell, one of the factors was when things have appreciated more than the rents in the area- but I wasn't sure when it was 'enough.'

My firend once had a client who did a high end remodel in a somewhat modest neighborhood.

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.

Here's a video with some tips, but I recommend you watch several videos, read some blogs, and educate yourself on what to look for in a brokerage:

With no appreciation, you will have less than 40% LTV and with modest appreciation you will have less than 30% LTV.  

Again, the BiggerPockets store has some books on this topic, or you can learn about it by watching podcasts, reading blogs, and interacting on the forum.