That experience in retail business is not wasted though, I'm sure it will serve you well in the futureWhat kind of investing are you aiming to do going forward?

I can't help but feel that we are wasting time by making excuses, and I would appreciate any advice/information.

My advice is that you go to the sellers, apologize for having wasted their time, and ask to be released from the contract.

I remember the fees always going up and seemed like a total waste but there were tons of renters in our development.

They won't talk to you, you're wasting your time.  

I don't mean to sound rude by the way but that seems like a waste of time. 

Even with mortgage rates near historical lows, limited wage growth, stricter loan standards, and high student debt loads have made it difficult for many to take the plunge.The apartment vacancy rate was 4.2 percent in the fourth quarter, hovering close to a 13-year low, according to property-research firm Reis.

First off, you should have gotten quotes for all the items BEFORE you closed escrow, why waste all that time!

On top of that both units are on a single electrical entrance and despite some of the waste lines being ABS, the toilets were all 5-gallon models from the 60s, there is one original claw-foot tub and a 1960s shower unit with a 2.5+gpm fixture.  

Any bid that is vague will only waste time as any good underwriter wants detail to protect you and our collateral.