Ordinarily those tenant vacated damages would be too remote, but it sounds like they were contemplated by both parties at the time of contract.Were I in this situation I would be looking to state law to determine if the EMD is truly the extent of my potential liability as a buyer. 

Purchase price: $8,000 Cash invested: $20,000 In 2013, I put my knowledge into action by purchasing a two-bedroom home for $8,000 as a home for my mother, though she wasn’t thrilled about it.

Purchase price: $8,000 Cash invested: $20,000 In 2013, I put my knowledge into action by purchasing a two-bedroom home for $8,000 as a home for my mother, though she wasn’t thrilled about it.

We took the reverse action and started lowering asking rents until they moved.I suspect the reason that one property of yours turned quickly is because your asking rent was very favorable vs. local competition. 

@Tobi Isaacs this would be better answered by other investors in your market. 

Purchase price: $8,000 Cash invested: $20,000 In 2013, I decided to put much of what I had learned from books into action by purchasing a two-bedroom home—not as a traditional investment property, but as a home for my mother.

What it has, how much it is, what is minimums to qualify, AND most importantly how to do what you want them to do next, CALL TO ACTION.

Yes, by other name, by other design, but it's a loan. 

We agreed to address the issues left by the previous tenant and you did not want us to handle it.

It also has some lesser known classics such as Popeye, Elevator Action, Gorf etc.