However in Montgomery County or DC it would not be unusual for a property to go up in value $100k in just a few years.

Earn interest on the unused portion while the tenant is in place.Now if they came along with the years rent in cash and had absolutely nothing verifiable on paper it would be a different story.In luxury rentals or competitive metro markets this isn't unusual and in some situations a leverage tactic.good luck!

As @Ned J. points out fences are usually on property line so was uncertain how you determined it was the neighbours fence without speaking to the owner.

If not, then you should be able to get back your earnest money from the contract.As far as getting the loan, if you lender is saying no money unless you get rid of the dogs (a very unusual requirement, but then it is a private loan), then you may be stuck.

7 or more years on a seller financed note is unusual, but I have done a few at 10 and 15.

Hi ErinI too have found that asking tenants to watch usage, even after informing them that their bills were unusually high,  does not work.  

I tend to think that's unusual.

If you are uncertain, you should ask for guidance from a knowledgable person.

In general, banks are loathe to make a loan where the ratios are so uncertain even just a few months after close.Throw in the investor component, and it gets even messier, because as Holdman pointed out, they are quick to walk (or should I say run?)

Now, what is unusual that no one here has experienced is the fact that a third party servicer has gotten involved presenting the contracts being administered.