Stick to the checklist and don't let emotions reign. 

Gifts and affirmations are low on my love language list (Gary Chapman), plus I'm pretty emotionally flat so LLing is perfect for me. 

I understand the emotional strains of running a business.

Make offers until somebody says yes and don't buy on emotion.

It was a difficult decision as my family is emotionally attached to this home but based on the financial gains of investing the tax free appreciation it makes sense for us. 

I was the kid in high school getting offers from private colleges over how high my test scores were, and I ended up ruining so much with drugs, toxic emotions and bad decisions. 

Just be very clear on pets you will/will not allow, make sure you understand the support/medical/emotional pets laws in your state as well.Ultimately, if you're screening your tenants correctly, you'll be choosing tenants who are responsible pet owners anyways....Hope this helps!

.#5 Make Decisions Based on the NumbersYour real estate investing strategy should include the financial parameters by which you determine if a property is worth purchasing.Your strategy may include details about: Purchase price range.Investment cash needed for repairs and upgrades before leasing to tenants.Financing strategy for the short and long terms.Bargain purchase (the percent under fair market value a property must be purchased).Immediate value increase (the percent in increased value you expect after making initial repairs and upgrades).Geographic area.Net income.Cash flow.Net cap rate (annual net income/total value).When you find a potential investment property that fits within the guidelines of your real estate investment strategy, you can pull the trigger based on the numbers rather than emotions and personal preferences.#6 Don’t Buy from Unmotivated SellersMotivated sellers are usually willing to work with buyers, so focusing on finding motivated sellers can result in making great deals as a real estate investor.

If you truly gave them your best offer, and they didn't bite and are 100% opposed to holding any type of paper, you need to appeal to the emotional side as opposed to the analytical.  

Admittedly have some emotion attached to it, since I lived there for 15 years.