Also the current rate environment has caused many buyers to pause, so there is opportunity for buyers to present without the distraction of multiple offers or competition. 

Since he was wondering if 50% was great for a house he couldn't inspect, maybe that would give him pause.

If he pauses and then turns it down, you may not be to far off.  

Bolded for emphasis, I really agree with this, but expand that it can be retail experience or experience-experience like an Escape Room, coffee lounge, etc.I also see the costs of doing business ever increasing, we may see a pause in the next 4-8 years with Trump, but insurance, labor, etc. are increasing that it makes it much more expensive to start any business.

So do you pause and prepare for your estimated 14 months, miss the years appreciation and opportunities, and then pounce when the market turns?

It's too important to not return again if it takes a pause for other things now. 

Look for the long trends and economies that have been resilient if the economy decides to take a pause or recess a bit.

That alone should give you pause. 

There’s nothing wrong with hitting “pause” when life (like a hurricane) happens.

Plus, I just have an inherent interest in it.I feel my prior experience gives me the requisite knowledge to analyze cash flow and market trends, but the specifics of a property with all it's nuances still gives me pause.