But it sounds like your agreeing a no-contingency sale is more unrealistic here. 

C-class for cash flow)I agree with @Evan Polaski that you need to know the market inside and out before you invest.

I I believe that real estate investing is a wise way to create long-term wealth for the family and my husband agrees.

I agree that pricing a rental too high is a classic mistake than can make it sit, but don't you think encouraging landlords to rent quick will make them compromise on the vetting of the tenants?

Became very unresponsive very quickly, did not complete agreed upon work, made false claims about capacity and what they would do, etc.

On a positive, the rental demand and production in this are is some of the highest in the country. 

I agreed to pay for the renovation with no interest credit cards.

It would be best to befriend a local contractor or even help one out on a job to see any differences from your past eight years doing it in another country.

While they agreed with my assessment, they couldn’t reverse it as the appraisal was already "in the system."

I agree with Patricia, but there are always exceptions to every rule.