They advise converting some stocks to cash as to protect ones life time savings during a bear market.     

Prices, under these circumstances, usually have no bearing on current market conditions.

I have spent my life under the rule of the "Poor Dad" mentality, always bearing witness to the financial struggles of my family and watching my parent's marriage get torn apart. 

When the late fee is effective has no bearing on when the rent is due or late.

Bull market, bear market?"

It doesnt matter what other contractors quote , it has no bearing on the job .  

If you are focused, motivated, eager to learn, and willing to work it will bear fruit. 

(bearing in mind that we always want to pay as little as we legally can).

Snake in the yard is not your responsibility.Just like a neighbors dog or a bear that escaped from the zoo.

Bearing that in mind, I'd terminate their lease and find a nice spinster that quilts for charity to fill the unit.The more rentals you've had experience with, the greater the odds that you'll run into some sort of problem like this, its just a matter of time.