Welcome @Brett Jurgens There are lots of people here to help you with your journey 

.- G: there is no refund at all with a cancellation and resubmitted the same alteration request. - M: the alteration request is 100% refund for unspent nights, which is not in line with the cancellation refund policy and would leave me at a loss.

There are great rental long term rentals in my area but also considering an investment  at the beach for a short term vacation property. 

There are still people that make money in both places.

There was no justification for a rent reduction.

From there I would add 1 new idea.

There we are in October and still nothing.

Is there any supporting documentation that I could have the current renters fill out prior to purchasing the property?

You should have masks with you at all times for environmental pollutants when looking at hoarder houses - animal feces, dead animals, asbestos, gas, etc.As for protocol, hoarder houses are not an easy buy because if the resident is still there it's not a money issue, it's an emotional issue.

I am curious if there is a negotiation course out there for landlords to sharpen their skills.