As you mentioned, it's clear we've over compensated for tenant negligence which has emboldened the parents (who only get half the story from their college kids) to make unreasonable demands.Moving forward in this situation I'm going to maintain the offer of 3 month early out on the lease to avoid further headache, but draw a line stating we can go the legal route if they want more, in which case I'll claim the remainder of the rent in addition to an legal fees.

Many believe that there's a "best" way to invest and feel that until they find it they should stay on the sidelines.

Stay with the conventional, or try to cash-out refi, HEL or HELOC on my primary?

I want them to stay and don't care about $25 a month if they are happy. 

Novice here, looking for investment property (no rentals) w/in 6-10 months.Areas of interest in Central NY - West, South, and North-West of Syracuse, and East side Auburn.Question:First time home owner; to buy first flip property as my FIRST and PRIMARY residence, or buy a home to stay in personally, and wait 2-4 years to build more cash for purchase of secondary/tertiary properties on the side to be flipped? 

Others want to leverage the bank in order to buy properties, stay patient, and perform 1031 exchanges when the time is right to try to buy multi-family or commercial properties.if the math works out, another option is to leverage your equity for a cash out refi, use that to buy a duplex or 4-plex. that even is not taxablebut i would say the decision itself has to fit into the larger, long-term goal.

Stay clear of the sheriff's auction unless you are an experienced investorIn this case, the sheriff's auction was packed as I have never seen it and the bidding on my interest went way over my predetermined limit. 

If you are looking for rent to own properties you can sometimes find them listed on Redfin as FSBOs with very low prices to draw people in. 

All of my leases are 12 months and are renewed if someone chooses to stay. 

I think the french doors could stay you can frost with decays.