One tenant backed out after becoming non-communicative when I sent the lease and asked for the deposit. 

My core values are accurate information, prompt communication, and being  technically excellent.

Only to reduce the cost of their $22,000 mistake by $2,200, and I expect them to try to recoup that in later CO'sAt this point I think they should eat at least half of the Unapproved CO's, but their lack on communication and delay tactics are making the legal route look ominous.Any other advice or guidance on how to proceed?

@Shannon K. and @ Steven Payne,thank you kindly for your votes, but the credit goes to @Marcia Maynard (our resident ADA, low income, healthcare, communications guru ). in a previous thread about how to get rid of smoke smell, she mentioned the vinegar bowl method used successfully with her piano performer husband.i just improvised on top of that with a dog house/basement (since bleach would have me faint in that relatively confined space). no smells reported for 3 years

what your lawyer is telling you is you can sue for specific performance.now while this is true.. then it comes down to facts and circumstances... if the contact is a few hours old and you have given a token EM deposit.. there are no real damages  really becomes a choice of you ... spending a good chunk of dough on the lawyer and how the judge rules.Now that all said I just successfully won a specific performance case but lets look at the facts.Paid back tax's of 35k  and gave seller another 15k of course all in cash and so I  was relying on my purchase contract to the seller to come in and sign and we pay the rest of the purchase price at close.Well Seller goes DARK won't communicate at all..

Satya, remember this old communications rule: "Pay more attention to the non-verbal communication than the verbal communication, if you want to learn the truth."

Another thought I had is that in the case I don't end up personally investing before I start school, was wondering if anyone would considering a partnership managing their properties for airbnb rentals as I could communicate with guests, change sheets etc. for a portion of guest rental fee or kickback on rent.

At the end of the conversation, if the contractor communicates their solution effectively to you, and you feel comfortable with them, negotiating a price comes rather easy.

Always communicate in writing.

How you invest and spend your money communicates about you...