I would still push through and do a few deals before selling.

I can feel that push internally, too—getting out there and connecting with people one-on-one is really my style.

But for sure don't come in pushing back on real advice when your feelings get hurt, understand that's apart of the process.

The rest is luck: did it rain that weekend and did we have the right buyers walk through the door, to push the winning offer just the last bit.. you can't control that. 

Unless you have very small apartments or with strange layout, I think you should be shooting for higher rents in this neighborhood which would probably make the decision for you to just go ahead and get the rehabs done before next year's high demand rental season.

There is so much nuance to these strategies.Another question popped up since my closing date is looking like it might get pushed back... what happens if the investor is not able to meet the material participation requirement by the end of the year? 

Ask yourself, if it was Christmas Eve and there was a major problem at the property, who would rush to deal with it and who would want to push it off until tomorrow?

Sometimes the less sexy route of just investing in a solid area, taking care of it and having solid tenant is going to put you ahead then people trying to chase cash flow and things that might not exist. 

I don’t mind someone pushing their product, as long as it’s acknowledged by them that they are bias because of it.   

Even though it’s tempting to get a head start on the roof due to the weather, having workers in the property while the seller is still living there can create complications.