Talk to lenders and have some options ready to go and have clear buying criteria.

You can look at successful STR's in your area and make a list based on photos.  

@Collin StewartSince you're PCSing to Columbia, SC, and have VA loan entitlement remaining, house hacking a small multifamily with a VA loan is a strong option since it requires zero down.

If you can make a conventional loan work, it’s likely a better option.

Some of my costs above are optional but not all.

We had been negotiating for weeks, during which he asked me to draft the offer based on his price and terms and requested over a week to review and accept it, which I honored.

Transportation options are plentiful.

First off, let me start by saying I logically understand a winers attitude is not based in victim mentality.  

I would start there and think of anything that I could do to stay in the house for a while as it sounds like you would be losing a bit of money with the other options. 

I'd underwrite the deal as any other - make sure you are conformable with the quality & tenant base.