If not, call them out on it & consider an "employment adjustment."

Again, a lot of the options mentioned above are great tools to use but definitely consider an option that presents a one-stop-shop for collecting rent as well (and has faster payment processing than the others).

Or test a much shorter pitch, "hey, would you consider an offer to buy your property at 123 main st?".

Also, in CA it is $800 a year for each LLC so I would consider an umbrella liability insurance policy instead especially with if you net worth isn't that high.

First, you might want to consider an informal appeal.

I also have what I consider an excellent resource in this space as well.

I am looking for a rule-of-thumb or general advice, not specific to my situation because there are so many other variables to consider -  Given the high interest rates today, is it more favorable to consider an adjustable rate mortgage with a lower interest rate for the first 5 years and then refinance in the future with a hopefully reduced rate, or stick with a 30 year fixed rate mortgage?

Make a list/policy of what you consider an emergency and non-emergency.  

The only reason to even consider an assumption in today's market is if there is a high pre-payment penalty that would make the sale free and clear unattractive to a seller.If you don't mind very low leverage, and there is significant upside that can he harvested when the pre-payment is either phased out or the new value is so great that the pre-payment is in-material to your return. 

The bank won't even consider an offer sent in without a POF, so there's literally no rational reason to send in such an offer... no reason to look at the listing... no reason for the agent (or you) to waste a single second of precious time considering taking the next step.