The quality of the work is more important than the mere attempts to upgrade!

It's up to you as to what you want to do but I'd suggest to  these tenants to get off their rear ends and invest some time in attempting to find a suitable tenant to replace themselves. 

Given the fact that a mass layoff could even further add houses to the market driving prices down which adds risk, but I was wondering if anyone had attempted something like this before and would appreciate any advice or tips.

I think you can answer those questions if you attempt to look at your site through your intended audience's eyes.

I was attempting to purchase as 2nd home.

I then received the strangest message from Nick's phone saying "Hi, I'm Nick's new girlfriend", which I can only assume was an apparent attempt to arise jealousy in me.

@John Mathewson Thank you for attempting to give me an answer though.

I am guessing the buyers strategy of coming up to full asking with 15 days inspection contingency was just to get rid of the other offers, and then they will attempt to get the price down?

If you're a beginner and still learning, you shouldn't be attempting to put 10 houses under contract; weather thats at the same time or in pieces, especially if he thinks you're a cash buyer.I have a seller who wants to sell 16 houses, who knows I'm going to assign those houses to my buyers because I told him I don't buy in this specific area, but I know guys who are looking for houses.

However, I am glad to see some attempt at some sort of control and oversight just the same.