To be shit scared of taking a big step?

[Eeksteek]

I don’t know if I’m making a terrible mistake, but I have decided to sell up and start over, and I’m terrified it’s the wrong decision.

DH went and died and left me with student buy to let property, and no life insurance. It’s always served us well, but a combination of it being more difficult and expensive to finance now, covid making it difficult to let and a lot of banking errors mean I’m just going to give up on it. I’ve been fighting for years to try and make it work, but it just isn’t, and I can’t see it improving. I’m frustrated, sad, angry and scared, but mostly I’m utterly worn out over it.

I have no idea what I’ll do now. None. I’ve always done student lets and healthcare. And now I can’t do either and it’s a bloody terrifying prospect! I feel like I’m being wet and pathetic, but I could sure do with a bit of handholding (or even someone to talk to!)

How many lets do you have? Can you rationalise the business so the costs are lower meaning you have a more stable profit. Eg can you sell some to pay off the mortgages on the other so you have an income stream with fewer costs against it?

There is no such thing as a free Financial Advisor, it’s a job and they get paid one way or another

I think selling the student properties are a good idea. If you invest back into a business I think you don't pay capital gains on the reinvestment.
How about a holiday let? There ae some specific developments in Cornwall and Devon that guarantee an income (about 5 or 6% I think), allow you a number of weeks holiday and manage the rentals. You need to check the resale t&c's. But that might be an option. That combined with you paying off your mortgage and going back to work might be an option.