If you have no intention or need to sell the properties anytime soon and they are making a positive cash flow and enough to cover a reduced rent amount if the recession causes a soft rental market, and you have enough reserves to pay the mortgage if you hit a multi month vacancy then you are good. 

Sort of a soft close.

Home Depot offers the Philips 8.5-watt (60-watt Equivalent) Soft White LED Light Bulb 2-Pack for $4.97

I like to use 4-gauge or 2-gauge welder's cabling as it remains soft/flexible in cold weather.

I also have a soft spot (pun intended) for BBQ turkey in any traditional BBQ style and for a good bowl of beef Pho. 

I wouldn't stop doing REI because of this, you have to put something in place to ensure payments are made on time, I would accept no late payments without an interest penalty that way u won't get messed with, if ur soft they will pay u last on the list.

Does the buying market seem soft at this time for flipping?

Howevery, they should be able to give you soft quotes.

From what I understand it is a soft hit and does not affect their credit score.

If you could make your own estimates that would be great, but if you have a really savvy buyer or two they can give you a great ballpark price for a soft offer.