@Roopesh KrishnamoorthyFinding cash flowing SFR is going to be a challenge (especially since you are looking for a primary at this point) and if you leave (H1B lottery) then do you plan to continue to fund any shortfall from India?

Another property continually has squatters even with boards up and bars in front of the windows and doors.

And as I continue to see more and more "we buy houses, cash" advertising, even the distressed homeowners are likely getting multiple offers from wholesalers, driving up the wholesaler price, which means higher price for you.

Also, how can you confirm that they are going to continue to be in the military for some time, and not going to get kicked out or discharged, or already has been?

If you start communicating before things get all legal, then that shows everyone in the neighborhood that you are willing to work within the regs and with the neighbors in order to fix issues.If you aren't the problem, things are smooth with your STR, then you want to convince them that they should let things continue and penalize the problem properties and not yours.My 2 cents as per usual.

You could just let the tenant continue renting on a month-to-month basis. 

My initial thought is to advise them to continue to offer the fee to avoid alienating buyer agents, especially if this is how buyer brokers are creating their short lists to share with clients.

For now I will continue to study and save money to have more down payment for when it will be time to buy.

I appreciate your input in my continued efforts to gain more knowledge on investing in rental properties.

Easiest way for most ppl to continue to do deals if wholesaling becomes illegal in your state is get your RE License.