We are open to any and all thoughts, advice, even harsh doses of reality wherever you see fit!

Real estate has high transaction costs - most folks don't realize to buy or sell a property it costs about 10% of the sales price (6% commissions and 4% transaction fees).Real estate is susceptible to harsh weather - during hurricanes, floods and freezes you can have significant property damage.

Hate to sound harsh here - however, maybe the buyer will do the right thing.

It may sound harsh, but they know what is coming and should have moved their belongings out before then.

I was afraid that a pro would either use harmful chemicals that would hurt the pets or that they'd simply be unable to seal the building to keep mice out in the future.

I just learned a harsh lesson regarding landlord/homeowners insurance policies. 

The harsh reality is in today's market if that property was a good deal it would already be pending.

For me, the harsh experience of buying too high and taking a loss has been the main factor in reducing FOMO.

I didn't major in finance, rather Chemical Engineering, and if time were rewound I would do it again. 

This implies if the LL takes one month to place a tenant and a couple hundred dollars doing the always tenant turnover items (for example we always change lock cylinders, shampoo carpets, chemically treat the drains, deoderize/disinfect including use of ozoner).