It was a pain until I hooked up to City Water for around $1500.

Here's the wrinkle that I later discovered -- the now-deceased owner was murdered in the house by her adult son, who suffered from severe psychological problems. 

Ants in your pants impatience has caused much pain in this business.

"An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of pain."

So, in my opinion, they are feeling you out for a discount, in which case, since moving is a pain, there's no reason to give them the discount... unless your rent is on the high side and if they move you will not be able to fill it at the current rate.

The "fake it till you make it" strategy is fine for your own psychology, but not when your are talking to someone about yourself.  

I feel your pain Cynthia.

I was working for a large syndicator at the time... ( this decades version of a crowdfunder). they had about 150 GPs set up and 1 billion in assets.The investors came in as different class... doctors taking all that tasty depreciation.. retired folks taking the cash flow and middle of the road folks taking half of each.. each GP had 3 class'swell tax reform made the exit very painful and really put a wrench into things at that time.

I would take the pain now.

I have bought two houses the "traditional way" and it was painful to say the least.