You are absolutely correct that we all need a "team" mentality.

Deliberately have a few challenges in your screening process - it will weed out "entitlement mentality" problems4) Allow payment plans, but create system to track when payments due, so they don't keep falling further behind You will need to call them on due dates or they will fall further behind Be prepared to give a strong NO when asked if you will change rent due dates to "make it easier" for tenants to pay rent based upon their SSI or paycheck dates.

We got a promotional offer through our credit cards for 1.99% and 3.99% APR for the life of the loan if we take advantage of it by March 1.

Bom dia @Ammar Ali,I hope all is well with you mentally, physically & spiritually.I believe the markets will survive because there is a shortage of homes available compare to buyers wanting to buy.

I’m in it for the long haul, and have a buy and hold mentality.

In this market, the mentality that "homes sell themselves" is taken a little too literallySo the questions is, what can agents do to regain the publics trust?

If an operator gets paid day 1, & throughout, & handsomely at Refi and more at sale ( lump fees before you get a dime), andn then the promote; while it may be customary to some to have all, is it really aligned to the risks that you think you are taking?

Not to be rude but reading what you said it sounds like you answered your own question which is to sell because you can take the equity to put into a cheaper home while also reducing your cost-of-living promoting savings. 

You could promote it as having a 70's reto look and not spend a fortune in updating things.  

Bom dia @Mario Cruz, I hope all is well with you mentally, physically & spiritually.