This practice is not for all property owners, but when done correctly can net both owner and operator a healthy return.

Her health is good (meaning they would be waiting and paying for a while)2. she owes too much on the house3. the house isn't worth enough to justify the labor hours required to service the client

This is a healthy and sustainable growth rate.

And I have been super fortunate but I don't make a TON of money or we'd be buying in LA ;) ) I've listened to SO many BP podcasts and read dozens of books on this topic...it seems a lot of good investors buy property they haven't seen as long as the market is healthy and the numbers make sense.

I just smile.

I'm young, healthy, and just want to enjoy a simple and stress free lifestyle. 

Yesterday my wife gave birth to our fifth child, a beautiful, healthy, baby boy. 

But it's not the whole picture.Even in a healthy market, homes tend to have a vacancy rate of 5% which means half a month's rent lost every year.

This was always the largest factor on which GC's I did business with since its a good indicator of how healthy their business is.  

Very sad to hear but sounds like you will grow from this and probably smile about it in 5 years if you choose to "move on" and make great things happen.