Would it be fair to eliminate a 1 year lease? 

You then use the report itself to choose the most qualified applicant or eliminate higher risk applicants based on their report details.I use the second approach as it simplifies my screening by not wasting my time on higher risk applicants.

You didn't ask but to confirm - yes you can combine sec 121 primary residence exclusion and a 1031 exchange to complete eliminate and defer all tax on gain from the sale - a great strategy. 

Not sure of how my mother's eventual passing, will change that, but I anticipate that he might feel that her passing eliminates the need to generate income from that unit, and he can resume a rent free status.

It doesn't eliminate the tax bill, but does spread it out. 

We try to eliminate and discourage everyone.

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

If you use your VA eligibility right now, then when you get to your next duty station and want to buy a nice home, you'll be what's called a 'MULTI user" and then over 3 points in VA Funding Fee will be stacked on your next VA loan.Here's what I'd do...or the subject property, since you have 10% down, do a FANNIE MAE  1st mortgage 80/10/10 = 90% Cltv)  purchase programEX:  180,000 purchase$144k  80% ltv - 1st mtg on a low rate Fannie Mae loan$18k    10% ltv - 2nd mtg (simo purchase money 2nd mtg) eliminates the PMIgives option to waive escrows you divide and conquer, meaning you can knock out the 2nd mtg. and drop total payment leaving just 1st mtg. paymentAlso, in lieu of a discount off sales price, simply negotiate seller credit to pay your closing costs (note: up to 6% of sales price seller concessions allowed)   

It's those maniacs that buy homes cash via quit claim deed off of craigslist that really get screwed.Make sure your property manager is a licensed real estate brokerage.Understand you can not eliminate all risk, only mitigate it.

I would eliminate any thoughts to 'first' going forward.