Even competent 3rd party management can only mitigate, not necessarily address many of the issues that arise when owning lower tier properties & population growth alone is not a magic pill. 

We think we can break even with a conventional sale but have no idea.

Even if it's just a small, local deal, I’m curious!

If not, I most definitely would reach out to the tenant, introduce myself and ask if they are going to be out by the 31st or the 1st, I would communicate  to the tenant as if I know they were told they are expected to leave, otherwise you may find they "do not know" they need to leave even if they actually know they need to leave....In the case they claim they are not aware they need to leave, you would need to follow the laws in the state you purchased the property, usually you can find that info on the states judicial branch or speak with a landlord tenant attorney. 

I've been following the build-to-rent method for some time and even lived in one for 2 years.

I have one tenant who is a god send compared to most, he accomplishes nearly ever repair I need, even did an HVAC unit. 

They even sent someone from the city to the house to tell us to stop operating it as a STR. 

Even way out in the middle of the moutains where I am.

Anywhere near Evens has gotten very expensive, so cash flow will be tougher.

I hope I added a little more clarity, I know that even in this post I am going back and forth.Thank you.