4) Due to all of the above, high chance they start playing games with other tenants, leading to bigger problems.5) What happens if you have to part ways?

I'd look at when the next unit lease expires and you can either...Delay closing until it's expired and vacantGive them another offer that's less enticing to not deliver the unit vacantWhen it has to do with financing the playing field is pretty level, every buyer will be able to get more competitive with a vacant unit

Remote ownership will be my primary play as I want to keep living in SoCal. 

Thats what I would do next and you can really just see what the numbers tell you (and look at different rate/refinance scenarios how it would play out in the next few years)

Fast decision-making played a crucial role in this successful deal.

Ultimately, location and demand will play a big role in how it performs.

They got in the game when rates were low and it was easy to find cashflow plays. 

Home owners and handyman wanting advice on how to do code illegal work.Amazon & box stores are low margin high volume mass marketers.But like moths to a flame the consumer mindset is easily dupedFor anyone still paying attention to this thread; legitimate business people don't buy retail, they buy wholesale.I thought "savy" investors looked for wholesale deals?

I would play along and let the neighbor know that you are sorry they need to sell their home for these health reasons and offer to buy it for half what its worth.

If you told him you have been playing pickup games for the past year and need help improving your jump shot, now he has evidence you're motivated and a specific goal he can quickly help you work towards.