I assume there is no way to cut the guy out of the deal as a small lesson of how women aren't considered property of their husbands?

Now, I'm paying for my absentmindedness (literally).The lesson here is as follows: NEVER agree to anything you don't understand. 

Well I think  the lesson here is to seek out and find past landlord to see if they did a cash for keys scenario.. its up to the new landlord to vette their tenants.. 

The lesson here is that simplistic formulas can be very misleading.

You're also starting to learn other financial lessons it looks like. 

Lessons learned?

It was truly a lesson in dealing with a lazy title co., a family affair that clouded the title, and a lack of trust between the buyer and the seller.

The seller agreed and wrote a check to me to cover utility expenses (estimated) and also an agreement that if that amount didn't cover it he would pay additional.So, lessons learned: Tenants can be telling the truth, it never hurts to investigate and ask for something, and make sure you have an awesome realtor who continues to work for you even after the deal is done.

@Shiloh Lundahl life long lessons learned before 10 years old.

I should have a ton of equity but I spent most of it on lawyers and settlement in divorce.....but that's another whole life lesson, hahaha.