Its really going to come down to multiple factors, including your personal situation/strategy but it appears you are definitely thinking about things in exactly the right way.I'd say since it doesn't seem to be an "urgent" need - I'd advise talking to some lenders and since the rate environment is still moving quite a bit, settle on a interest rate / points combo that is "your number" and when market rates move down to that point - have the lender contact you and get ready to go, and just wait until that occurs

Hitting the tenants with filling suite for eviction and than another for judgement and than explaining the situation and how you'd love to settle this together like decent people vs the financial herpes of having a judgement on there record for the next decade +, but it's up to them.

As you get settled in The Valley, I'd love to connect!

Explaining the situation and offering to settle for a lower amount might be effective.

Chicago has solid cash flow markets and many appreciating markets with much lower cash flow.Interest rates are significantly hurting cash flow, so in my opinion, this is a time where you have to settle for low cash flow, knowing that there are also tax benefits, debt pay down, and appreciation happening.  

You need a QI Qualified Intermediary, who can also hold your funds once you settle on your relinquished property until you settle on the acquired property.

Some settling of a property is to be expected but if it significant enough to be causing issues such as slanted floors, door openings not being square, windows that won't open, etc.

Husband works remote and I’m a hairdresser so I’ll need to settle in somewhere and build clients.

I guess dust is not settled yet...I hear that everyone is saying it's case by case...and everything is negotiable!!!

Do not settle for less than what you expect.