I'm in my first year of investing too because after 11 yrs in the retail side I'm burned out.  

So, don't let that money burn a hole in your pocket and don't spend it on a tropical vacation.

But for those that like it and excel at it ,,, its great.. but remember 9 out of 10 who try it in any fashion burn out and move on in 24 months.Its takes a lot of self discipline  and street smarts along with book smarts.

Why burn bridges defending dummy ads.

What could I do as a landlord if something like this were to happen again - unwanted frequent guests of a roommate...

If things go great there will be more upside, but work out the numbers where worst case scenario you don't get burned.  

flipping...rentals....wholesaling...to burn the house down accidentally on purpose and collect the insurance?

If Is been out for a while the smell might be dust burning,,,,, like the smell the first time you fire up the furnace in the fall.

If you're money isn't totally burning a hole through your pocket, just wait for the market to soften, more inventory, more days on market, more months supply - when it is no longer a fiercely sellers' market.

Otherwise you are really burning bridges.