Instead of discussing the possibility of owner finance with sellers - what if I offered the opportunity to  JV where they are the equity partner?   

I paid an estimate of about 25k for each in cash.

I'm sure I could go to some midwest markets or even some more depressed markets in my region and get better pricing, but that's out of my wheelhouse at this point in my life as I have no desire to learn new markets when I'm closer to the end than the beginning. .Sure, obvious but over looked.

contingencies are awesome to let you string out time if you need it.  

A quick google search of your state indicates the following regaridng timeline to give notice:30 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for less than one year, or have a lease for less than one year60 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for more than one year but less than two years, or have a lease for more than one year but less than two years90 daysFor tenants who have lived in the property for more than two years, or have a lease for at least two yearsI'd definitely touch base with an eviction attorney in your state to ensure you are not missing any steps and to have the attorney as a backup option in case the tenant does not vacate easily.

Anyone can live anywhere they want if they have the money, and sometimes houses are bought and then rented out without much background checking on the people moving in.

Get out of your comfort zone.

finding and analyzing deals should be at the top of your list of things to learn when starting out!

I was aware of the egress requirement, but was not considering the door size or ceiling heights.

Two of them decided to move out in December without informing me.