: those houses are gone and I want to start over in a way that will allow me to replace a portion of my income within two years (beyond that, I’m flexible).

And yes, local banks are the way to go for flexible financing options.

Not sure if I need to be a little flexible or not at all.Tenant: "I hate to ask this but is there anyway, we can push the rent payment on February 1st back a couple weeks?

For payments, you try your best to be flexible with your tenants by communicating with them. 

: those houses are gone and I want to start over in a way that will allow me to replace a portion of my income within two years (beyond that, I’m flexible).

If you do though I'd just stay M2M it provides you more protection and can be spun that you are giving them more flexibility.  

Being a flexible yet firm landlord is key.

I explain that the process will be halted as soon as they pay their rent (with the late fee), and that my mortgage payments for the property are due which doesn't give me a lot of flexibility in the matter.

@Daniel Sager I agree, in my experience - there is a world of difference between traditional lenders and local credit unions, CUs are sooo much more flexible, everything is negotiable, good luck!

Portfolio lenders keep the loan in house so terms are flexible and will depend on the deal (they're the ones you need for value add projects).