He described the apt as "neat and clean", and the smell of smoke as "moderate".

I look like one and smell like 2.

Man...I can smell the early retirement....And you wonder why Brandon Turner repeatedly says in the podcasts that there are "many tired landlords out there". 

(unless of course you are ready for a battle and have a large amount of money to do so)2.

Does the house smell of mold? 

Was doing our final walk-through of a duplex in Irving Park yesterday and there's a really strong, foul smell in the basement that wasn't as noticeable before.  

So, the family cooked 2 or even 3 times a day using various ingredients that would leave a lasting smell.

@Rudy Manna...I believe there are still good deals to be had in MLS but you are more likely to get into a price battle with other investors/buyers acquiring through MLS. 

I wasn't the best in best and final, but the broker told me the seller opted to go for a portfolio buyer even though the individual offers they had summed to more than the portfolio offer.In many ways this smells to me the same way it did in 2000 during the dotcom boom and again in 2005 with liars loans.  

You're getting some emotional responses here and going down that road may win you the battle, but you'll lose the war.