I'm absolutely clueless, and am looking for anyone who is willing to share their experiences, advice, or point me towards resources that could help in understanding the market better.

Nor do I understand how it cost you hundreds of thousands in funding to not have payments recorded.

It's my understanding that the city is responsible for all the piping up to the curb stop in my front yard and I am responsible for the curb stop to my property.Yes from the water meter to the house is generally the owner and from the main line to the meter is generally the city.. 

Landlords can enter a tenant's property for a variety of reasons, including: Making repairs or replacements Responding to a tenant's request Removing unauthorized window coverings Preventing waste of utilities Changing filters, testing, or replacing smoke detector batteries Inspections Helping with an emergency inside the unit Posting a notice of eviction"Research your state laws because some of your comments indicate a lack of understanding of the landlord/tenant laws where you are operating (like threatening the tenants to keep the security deposit if they don't respond to you, I doubt that is actually a valid reason to keep their deposit, or evicting for late payments, or charging the tenants for your warranty repairs because you missed your 11 month inspection window which was your responsibility, and it looks like your lease says you can charge up to 18% interest for unpaid fees, is that actually legal?).

I feel like there had been an increase in these types of broad open ended type posts. 

@Elliot Rosen, do you understand the issue?

I'm understanding now that the winter is just not a good time to have an open unit.

You will be able to learn the ins and outs and really understand how to provide the best guest experience.

From what I understand, a 1031 exchange doesnt apply in this case, and so I will have to pay short term capital gains on the appreciation ?

Not saying that those are possibilities but understanding those potential outcome and doing what you can on the front end (screening + clear expectations) to avoid them.