I realize he can and will be able to obtain the info from his lawyer (not yet retained), however I think it’s important for me to understand the process from beginning to end.

Additionally, many SU students from overseas have wealthy parents who sometimes purchase nearby properties for their children and friends to live in while they attend SU and then retain them.As far as neighborhoods go, @Alexis Bliss is spot on in recommending someone with deep local knowledge and connections. 

She's the creative one, and I'm just the muscle. ;-) How did you find this deal and how did you negotiate it?

If anything was left by the tenant and later found, it shall be stored and/or disposed of by the landlord as per law.Security Deposit: As per agreement and as required by law (RCW 59.18.280) within twenty-one (21) days after the termination of the rental agreement and vacation of the premises or the landlord’s learning that the property has been abandoned, the landlord shall mail to the tenant’s last known address a full and specific statement of the basis for retaining any of the deposit together with the payment of the refund due the tenant under the terms and conditions of the rental agreement.

Warren Buffet said it best "Writing a check separates a conversation from a commitment" A $20,000 retainer for a trial attorney is a hell of a commitment.

I think there's pros and cons to both, but to be clear in other scenario I want to lead or be actively involved in finding and managing the deal so I can begin to build up that muscle.

After living there for a full year, you can move out and retain the financing

But in the end, we want to keep it as simple as possible, while retaining as much protection as possible.

I retain the leasing, apartment turnovers and building maintenance.   

Whether it be getting approved, finding tenants, cash-flowing positively, retaining tenants long-term, etc; Id love to hear some of the more challenging aspects of the process & things you’d do differently if you had to go back!