Those that still reside are not expecting to stay anyways. 

From my understanding you would have to sell the property as a business...a resort style destination with a number of amenities and places to stay.

It also has the benefit of being local which is great training wheels as you learn how to be a killer host.Now assuming that you mostly want a cool property to stay in sometimes near water and don't want to spend a ton of time managing I really like the outer banks in NC.

Is it worth buying vs renting given I'll be staying there for 3 years.

Using local banks to help guide my direction as to how their loans work.

Before you decide to pull the trigger with any Bank/Lender make sure the they are well versed in DSCR guide lines and close more than a couple a month. 

If it's gas heat, electric still needs paid so that the furnace stays on.

Personally, all of my units are full and have stayed full, no one is even late with rent much less behind, and no one is moving.

Property Owner Incentive to Stay ProfitableIdea outlines that owners are required to keep at least 51% of the income rights, so their earnings are directly tied to the property’s success.

You can kick the can down the road only so long, at some point capex exceeds cash flow.Also, stay away from weird properties.