You won't regret keeping this after 5 years, but you may feel the pain of it the first 5 years. 

This can create a subtle but effective pain point for the landlord—especially if they’re not excited about taking on those responsibilities.

At the same time I find myself participating in other forums I used to ignore, like the taxes and short term rentals forums, because those have become bigger focus areas (and pain points!)

While it pains me to say it, I think that if you are patient, and watch that market over the next 12-18 months, you will find yourself in one of the greatest buying opportunities in America. 

All of that being said I think you have to get to a place in life where your current situation is more painful than the pain it takes to figure it out.

@Phillip Austin feel your pain!

It’s been a pain going there every day for the past 4 weeks and looking ahead to have to keep going there every day for the next 4 weeks.

But they are a pain in the butt to deal with.

You 3-year stepdown will be a little painful, but, it could be worth it if the funds are needed.

Anyone claiming people are going to feel the pain later by "sitting on the sidelines" is completely amiss of the real problem.