Since I've begun to take steps towards my first deal, I've heard a lot of people say that "something is bound to go wrong, things will break etc..." 

I have not much to say but only this: "Live each day as if your life had just begun" by Johann Wolfgang.

It looks like your patience and knowledge had begun to pay off!

The lease does state that tennant will leave the home in same condition that it was in when first rented, except for normal wear/use..My non-smoking tennant moved in last November.Last month he started dating a lady who smokes and now he has begun smoking.

I've begun applying to some local companies lately and noticed that some of them prefer the candidate obtain their RE license x days after hire if they have not already.  

Anything to help me understand what mindset and strategy would be best in the area.My guess, as I've begun looking into it myself is maybe because the market there is a little bit expensive, and so cash flow is a little lower, and one is hoping/depending more on appreciation.

We have begun flipping houses and using the profit from flips to fund long term rentals.

The grace period only applies to late fees and is irrelevant in regards to when the rent is actually late.What your tennats are doing is unacceptable and you should have begun th eevictin process on the 2nd with th epay or quit notice.

Apparently the closing date snuck up on them and they haven't begun repairs yet.

@Scott Hetherington - I have begun talking with Maximilian Howell - that is the fanciest name I have ever dealt with!!