You have the right attitude. 

The fear of public speaking is overcome by speaking in public, most of that is an attitude, not a physical ability, but the mind can certainly hinder physical aspects. 

Attitudes, what attitudes do you want the prospect to feel?

Sounds like you have a great future started, but don't bail out, you have many productive earning years ahead of you, but yo can now take a different attitude toward earning, it's no longer out of desperation of "must do", but rather "can do". 

(Q 2) 1) 2012 was a great year to lock a rate, so your 'by default, I don't want to touch this' attitude is the correct one: Ain't broke, don't "fix" it. 

I like your attitude.  

You have the right attitude and, coupled with a solid plan, you should do extremely well.  

And with the attitude "you should do what I want, and not talk back to me"......I wouldn't talk back to you much, just enough to say "see ya', have a nice life".

Sounds like you have the right attitude to get where you want to be. 

@Mark StoneBy giving notice now for the end of February you can express to the tenant your helpful attitude by giving them plenty of time to find a new place.