So far, they've not missed a single (modified) rent payment and their lawyer has confirmed that the settlement amount he is working toward has already been modified to reflect that the first check cut from the settlement will be coming my way to pay me in full. 4 months from now, I'll have either dodged a large bullet or will be crying in the new year for my failure not to evict sooner. 

I just put cheap bulbs in and let the tenant put energy efficient ones if they want. 

Bite the bullet and replace it now.

For the 1/1s it's the same period but I'll allow early/late guests for up to 2 hours and just schedule my housekeepers accordingly.I definitely need to bite the bullet and replace my washer/dryer in the one house with high-capacity units!  

Even if you engage a broker, you should still shop around an additional couple lenders yourself (if you have the time/energy).Freddie SBL loans cap at 50 units, so you won't be able to take advantage of that program (unless they can somehow make an exception), but there are still great Agency (Fannie/Freddie) programs that would work. 

It’s a complete waste a time, money, and energy if you don’t talk with them.Don’t over think this.

Offer her the "happy clause" to mutually terminate the lease AND deny her requests.If she takes you up on it, consider the bullet dodged.

Their energy is spent trying to work something with them (a bird in the hand is worth 2 in the bush).

There’s a cost to working a 9-5 that is taking away from doing something that can eventually make you a lot more money and more importantly not drain your energy.

Marriage is like playing Russian roulette with 4 out of 5 bullets in the chamber nowadays.