They also note that the EP permitting process is a big pain to be avoided if possible.One of the contractors initially said that we should probably permit the job just to be safe but then sent me a cost estimate assuming that we'd do the job without permits but added that permitting it would add $500 and 1 month to the timeline.  

I know you aren't asking this, but dealing with different investors is a giant pain.

Hi Marty,I felt your pain.  

This banging my head against a wall is painful. ;).  

what's your pain level?

They care about cash flow ratios (a real pain) and the ability for the rental income to pay the property expenses and the loan.

There's no reason a real buyer would think having a unit occupied would be a bad thing, unless the tenants aren't paying or are being a pain in the butt somehow... 

You will find people who have done very well in these area but these are very savvy investors and still it can be a huge pain.

Find out what their situation is, where their pain lies.

This has caused a painful rift in my marriage and I am sure in my relationship with my children.