Due to the nature of the shorter lease terms, I am spending an excessive amount of time updating my Excel spreadsheet, MLS, business website, Airbnb, VRBO, and other platforms.

Most of the time a newer or unsuccessful agents will host open houses as they build their book of business.

This happens from time to time and is just part of the business.

A real estate business can also potentially generate a SOLO IRA or something like that. 

Don't apologize, don't explain how the 'chosen' tenant was more qualified than they were, wish them well in their search.You're running a business and you've made a business decision. 

I'm the sole manager of the business and the properties.

I just finished The Book On Rental Property Investing by Brandon Turner, and it made me even more excited and determined about getting into this business.

Quote from @Kody Smith: without getting too deep into my finances, what my strategy is...1. take loans to buy properties (leverage)2. fix/flip for day to day cash flow income3. use some of the fix/flip income to buy consistent cash flow through:- business acquisition, - commercial properties (MF and store fronts),I have no intention of doing ALL of the management myself, I will hire management as needed (medium term goal)my expected core role is money provider, evaluating the numbers, making decisions, and connecting with investors, wholesalers, lenders, contractors, and property owners.while I am just on step 2 of the journey, I am looking toward step 3 to stabilize, and not worry about if house prices drop mid project or not (or not worry as much) So to be fair this is more about obtaining and growing a real estate business not simply buying rentals for cashflow.

Your success in this space will also translate to different type of business relationships. 

Having the seller carry a second is not a problem for the first, as long as their business with you is finished and the loan has closed.