They said it was not typically a matter of knowledge; however, a matter of arrogance and attitude.

It also depends on the area you live in, the attitudes of the courts and the perpensity to bring actions, especially trivial ones.

Sarah, My first suggestion is to change your mental attitude about lease options.

I have a feeling he is going to have a much more positive attitude towards American landlords when he returns!

I don't know where to start with this one.Both the landlord and the tenant are complete idiots.While in my experience the attitude ("I don't have the money to move so I won't pay the rent and save money that way") of the tenant is all too common...The ignorance of the landlord (not paying her mortgage and expecting the tenant to perform differently) is just as common.Being a landlord can be a very profitable experience... but to be a successful landlord you had better learn the business and excute with precision.Just for fun you can see what how a landlord handled a similar situation in Southwest Harbor Maine earlier this year...http://www.biggerpockets.com/blogs/585/blog_posts/5275-dead-beat-tenants-one-way-to-inform-the-world

Like many individuals and businesses we are taking a wait and see attitude.

Your positive attitude during a nightmare scenario speaks well of you, @James Wise !  

Hello @Brie Schmidt  I love your attitude and well put!

Large looming concerns: quality/ attitude/ dependability of client (the broker) support, capabilities of the design/ development/ SEO/ dependability of company/ Etc.… Yes, searched high searched low – online reviews – take most with a grain of salt.

That's exactly my attitude.