We had the option of cutting our losses by selling the property OR to go ahead with our original plan of adding some sweat equity by fixing it up to hold/rent out.First off, I 1000% echo what the other posters on this thread have shared.

You can always give the tenant the right to match your best offer, but be sure that they get pre-qualified for a home loan so you don't waste time with them if they can't qualify.

But they cut me a check a for $3k for a new one, so I was happy.  

If you replace the siding avoid breaking, sanding, cutting, drilling and sawing the materials.

How about the opportunity cost of all those wasted resources, the years spent learning what you could've learned in months, the money wasted on the mistakes made, and the frustrations and unnecessary roadblocks added on the road to your dreams and goals? 

I am not looking to cut anyone out or be deceitful at all.

That is the best strategy to acquire several doors for no or low money down and cut expenses even more (live for free).

Does the HML give the acquisition cost to the seller and just cut me a check for the rehab or provide me with a line of credit?

Being able to cut my teeth out of state was amazing and took way less capital than investing in CA.

So I think if I was able to be seen by a judge, it seems like it should be pretty cut and dry I think...So can a civilian like myself "file a lawsuit" with the court?