It is advisable not to break leases early, or both landlords AND tenants lose available funding or benefits. 

If you flip first (and don't lose money), you'll still be able to buy the rental.Let me know how else I can help.

I always need to sleep over a big decision for at least 2 days, however I feel like I'd lose a very qualified tenant who's actually willing to pay higher given the hot market one of my properties is in. 

They want to make sure you have something to lose(down payment).

The alternative to a short sale is losing their home and getting hit with a foreclosure and the bank possibly coming after them for the full amount of the deficiency amount.In a short sale, that can all be negotiated.

In fact be prepared to lose money on marketing.

The only down side is I will have to put the money into it, and if I want to move into another investment property in the next 2 years, will I have the money to do it after investing in this property.Conversely, I found another property, more in the area I want to be, but the owner wants too much for it (about $35,000 too high) and has indicated this is his retirement money property so he doesn't think he'll take much less..I know the unit I like, has had 3 showings in the last 3 days and I don't want to lose it.

It's losing population, and job growth is projected at -4%.

There are experts who will help you with this.Then make absolutely sure, that your lenders to not loose money... because losing a friend is worse than losing money.Good luck.

As an agent, i cant solicit someone if they are working with another agent.have you ever heard of someone losing their license by doing this?