You are both going through hard times so you both need to understand each others pain and empathize before it strains the relationship.

Learn to empathize with them, yes, the mine closing was horrible, etc. 

Empathize, but follow your contract.

When my tenants violate my lease, I don't empathize with their disregard of the lease terms and apologize.  

Start small, take baby steps, toe dip, pilot trade, only use money I can afford to lose -- these are the rules I have in place to protect myself from myself.As a former homeowner for 33 years (I was my own landlord and tenant), I can empathize with the landlords on BiggerPockets.

You may even know someone who is experiencing this in their life now or they are to critical of themselves to have even had the conversation with you...It is weighing on their wellbeing.Going into a conversation with them I knew what they were going through, but I did not have an understanding.I started empathizing with who it was I was speaking to, I may not know their personal story but I went into every conversation as if I could be their superhero, their saving grace...their angel in disguise.

You've received some very good responses from investors and brokers.I guess I would empathize that a well funded or financed investor and a smart real estate broker can make a lot of money together but you need good communication and mutual respect for it to work.

Glad to hear that things worked for you in the end here, and I, for one, appreciate your willingness to come in here and make that first post - I think a lot of people could empathize with that kind of ¨oh crap¨ moment, but most would not be willing to share it. 

I can empathize with your dilemma, my first rental was a duplex, now a 4 plex.

I listened and empathized, though I liked them since I got to party with undergrads. :) But I would not want them as my tenants either.