We wanted to give a single mom a break and look past her credit and aparently common decency was not one of her strong qualities.

Incidentally, the current property manager employed by the current owner has agreed to stay on, so at least there's continuity...Opinions anyone?

This time I tried something a little different.Recently I got a little unexpected chunk of change from my employer and decided that I would give $100 of it away to complete strangers.

I consider myself lucky that I got my college degree in high school teaching because that style of discipline and calling bluffs is what I seem to have to employ often with tenants.Jon's right though - doesn't sound from your post like "terminally ill" is on the lease anyway.

Is the above common in the

Here is a great commentary on this topic by Calculated Risk: http://calculatedrisk.blogspot.com/2008/11/apartment-market-weakens.html Mike hit the nail on the head, doubling up with relatives becomes very common as recessions worsen.

I figured if I go back for my Finance degree it would open up more doors with my current employer and it won't stray me away too much from learning REI since it can help me in some areas of the business.

It answers a lot of common questions for new landlords.

I live off the rental income and am not employed right now.

I know it's probably not the common "investor" way of thinking when looking at a home, but I could see myself living in this house so I got emotionally involved in the place (DOH!).