Read section 21 of the CA Residential Purchase Agreement (assuming you transacting on this document).I've not been through mediation or arbitration myself, but if the buyer removed all contingencies when he submitted the offer, then cancelled, AND you suffered actual damages (a subsequently reduced sale price), your case seems pretty iron-clad to me.I believe you can enter mediation and arbitration without a lawyer, so I say go for it!

I guess it's like apples risk vs. oranges risk: recently-built apartment complexes are apples and involve risk (the construction defects, the stress Class A experiences during an economic downturn, etc.) and value-add/renovation type business plans involve oranges risk: you won't probably see any construction defects, but you have more vulnerability that the renovation plan + improved operations plan + repositioning will not work as optimally as originally hoped. 

You'll be surprised what some Sellers will accept in exchange for reduced taxes and a steady income;2.

Keep it simple, and try not to stress about getting more property.

.- Niche Knowledge: (STR rules, ADU's, Zoning Expertise, down payment assistance programs, AFH, Opportunity Zones, etc)- Discounting: (If you are new you could always discount your services to add value (reduced commission for brokers, lower management fee, reduced fees for JV's).- Superior Service: Somewhat counterintuitively you can actually add more value despite being new.

You’ll have to pay realtor commissions but usually it’s a reduced deal since there’s no advertising and they’re keeping both sides. 

It will take more work on the property team but will reduce future questions/complains.3.

For that kitchen, I would have installed two $15 to $20 ceiling lights that give better lighting, a cabinet over the stove to drop the fan lower, more cabinets and a tile or linoleum floor.When we remodel units our goal is to do everything possible to reduce maintenance in the future.

Sometimes friends have higher expectations and get upset if it's not 100%, and sometimes friends might not pay immediately... it's just not worth the stress anymore.  

Another vote (from another local) for house hacking here in Socal.A trickle of cashflow from the Midwest is less valuable that reducing your cost of living and building equity here on the coast.Best,Jon