I don't mean to advocate for less savory methods in dealing with non-paying, jerk tenants, but we don't live in normal times and unfortunately some of these situations call for creative, albeit abnormal solutions.I wish you both, Matt & Rachel, all the best and hope your non-paying tenant issues come to a quick, peaceful resolution.

If they say no on that I would probably just do the inspection but be very conservative in your assumptions and particularly onery when it comes to the resolution of unacceptable condition.  

I believe it is best and reasonable to  invest in states that encourage collection of security deposit, whose legal system and the alternative dispute resolution outfit work effectively and efficiently and which is clear about the right and obligations of both property owners and tenants and also  whose laws  on issues relating to evictions, contract termination, lease and lease renewal, subletting and assigning of apartment favour you as the property owner. 

I literally lost my shirt in the early 90's, in which the RE bubble popped in response to the S&L crisis, and the Resolution Trust took back all of the property, as I was hungry, not seasoned as an investor so I over leveraged and only invested for equity gains, not cash flow.  

In terms of interpersonal business skills (communicating, conflict resolution, putting yourself outside your comfort zone) I've learned waaay more from serving than I would have in an office setting.

Fingers crossed for a swift-ish resolution. 

I have to make a run to the airport and did not read your long post, but there is no shame for backing out of a signed contract and your broker should back you up 100% so that you will continue to do business with him in the future.I've backed out of many escrows and if the seller gives you a hard time returning your money then the escrow cannot be closed until a resolution is achieved that both parties agree to and the seller cannot open a new  escrow for another buyer until your escrow is closed.

In most cases they're not considered real estate but "personal property" However, in this case, even though you probably don't have any further responsibility for the mobile, I'd try to seek some kind of resolution.

Not sure if a valid resolution was ever come across?

My resolution for 2015 - further develop my two-track career of syndicator/guru.