Electric is cheaper than gas heat when it is your only device on gas (so no stove or hot water heater) in the South because on the 8 months when you do not use any gas at all you still have to pay the $30-$35 user fee the gas company charged me.  

You can tether other devices, but it really isn't meant for use as broadband.

Get outside take walks or hikes play a sport go surfing or swimming.

Any suggestions on pool heaters or devices that work with heaters that have app / connection to be controlled remotely?

Another thought I had was furnishing a unit or 2 as there are usually plenty of events like homecoming, sporting events, concerts, speakers, that you may be able to get a premium from people looking for a place to stay.

We are both former DI student-athletes competing in team sports (football & lacrosse).

I agree with John, as long as you have someone to call for any issue that may arise, then you are good to go.Make sure you have smart devices like locks and thermostats that you can control from your phone.The most important person you will need is a reliable cleaner!! 

Smoking also includes the use of an electronic smoking device which creates an aerosol or vapor, in any manner or in any form. [2] “Electronic Smoking Device” means any product containing or delivering nicotine or any other substance intended for human consumption that can be used by a person in any manner for the purpose of inhaling vapor or aerosol from the product.

People will move there and stay there until their kids graduate.Every market has crime-tracking devices.

Are there any devices that I can control from a few hundred miles away from my rentals?