That's the backstory, and here's the new twist...I just got a letter from a lawn contractor, and unbeknownst to me, my renter had hired the contractor to cut the grass, and the unpaid bills totaled $952.

Hi @Ben Roberts, I let sellers stay in their homes very often. its a good selling point.I do rent back or delays closing. usually anything from 2-8 months depend on the property and the upside i have in it.If i need to obtain consents / Permits from the City for subdivision or any consent im happy to give them 6 months so i cut the holding costs.If its winter and I rather rehab on flip in the summer im happy for them to stay too.Some time rent back is better for the buyer if they have deadline for loan "pre qualification" so you know you IN and used you PQ.

Being helpful during a hard time like this is both good for the condition of your property and karma, but that does not mean making irresponsible decisions that open you up for financial loss.Help them cut the cord the best way possible and get a stable tenant.

Because there are so many of them, they can afford to cut their rental prices to compete.   

That is the price you pay for investing in a market with high demand and limited supply, but those same dynamics cut both ways ... that which is difficult to buy is easy to sell or rent and will tend to go up in value over time if the fundamentals that created the high demand and limited supply are consistent (which they are in CA).

Ohio made the cut!!

Everyone wants to get into real estate and the sad truth is, most people aren't cut out for it.

But they'll ask you whether it was from a leak or not, and if so, they'll cut you a bigger break than if the freak bill is inexplicable.   

Track everything you are responsible for and review that regularly that will hopefully help you cut expenses and possibly increase your income.  

Also unavoidable.This will most likely cut your cash flow down a bit.