And we rely on our service providers - brokers, etc.. to do a good job.If I was on the receiving end of your anger, I would most likely take notice and do the task quicker. 

I can’t speak for all markets but I’m in Raleigh/Durham... inventory is lower than it was last year which means there are less homes active on the market and they sell quicker BUT the total sales volume per month has been HIGHER because of more transactions and higher prices.

If it's a straight push between you renting and her selling to you there's not much incentive for her to sell.However, should your numbers kind of work out close to this (often they do) then consider incentivizing these seller by structuring her note where it is due in quicker time e.g. 5 Vs 10 years with a reduced amortization 15 Vs 30 years.

It's quicker to do all laminate though and may outlast tile.Ollies bargain outlet has laminate but it's not any better or of any better value than box stores.You can buy a shipping container of laminate from China on alibaba which may have some added savings if you have a lot of flooring to do.I typically don't bother with an underlayment because it is added cost and provides little value IMHO.

The first scenario grows much quicker but acquires minimal equity.

It’s seems the better and quicker you can look over a property and tell if it’s a worth while deal the better off you will be.

I've learned that the fire goes out much quicker if you don't feed it. 

I believe it forced him and his fellow investor-colleagues to get more pro active, to do things a bit differently, to move quicker when evicting or doing maintenance/repairs and to do more creative financing types of deals. 

I have been funneling the cash flow into principal payments in order to pay off the homes quicker and pay less interest. 

They make my commute from Santa Barbara to Santa Ynez go by quicker each day.