This is when I play hardball.

That's not how it will play out over time. 

When you're ready take 25k as "play money" and invest in a deal and watch it perform.

Did he transfer any security deposits and last months rent (or sign off that there are none) That all could come into play if it gets to court.Did you send letters to the tenants stating you are now the owner and rent should be paid to you etc?

And no, didn't get here by following the dinosaur play-book. 

BONUS- we had a nice warm place to stay when the ice storms came through the United States in Feb. 2021.

Hello BP, I am a newer member of BP and have been working on a potential unlisted deal for most of this year.  The owner is now willing to sell both units as a package for $5.6M and is 146 doors, together.  Both are 1...

Bonus points if you know anything about the retro-permitting process.

I'm currently finishing the Pre-licensing course to take the state exam to obtain my Real Estate Licenses while being enrolled in 22 credits (7 classes) and playing college soccer.

I think many renters are not as concerned about room size as you would be when purchasing a home, but layout, remodel date and location will play a bigger factor in the cost of rent.