Hi A.,
Your son has you wrapped around his little finger!
Doing the "cry it out" method sucks, but in my opinion, it's necessary. My daughter started doing the same thing around that age, and we just had to outlast her. The first night she SCREAMED for 2 and a half hours, with out stopping. It was AWFUL. We thought we were going to lose our minds! I was certain that I was the worst mother EVER!
But, we stuck to our guns. The second night she SCREAMED for over an hour. The third night was 45 minutes. The fourth night was about 20 minutes. The fifth night she let out a single "wah!" and that was it. We never had another problem. We were living in a trailer park and the time, so I understand your concern for your tenants. Can you tell them what's going on, and explain what you're trying to do?
One thing is for sure, you can't keep doing what you're doing now, for every. (Unless you have an unlimited gas supply, and if so, what's your address?? I'll be right over! teeheehee!) But seriously, he is old enough to understand that it's bedtime, and it's time to be quiet and sleep.
Each night I made sure that I checked on her and comforted her ONCE. I gave her a hug and a kiss, told her I loved her, told her it was nigh-night time and that she should go to sleep. But ONLY ONCE. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done, but it totally worked.
Good luck and please keep us posted!