As you'd expect these giys are super busy an d you can't get a quote frpm them to save your life unless you said the magic words;  "I'm desparate and will pay 2x the actual costs today for you to take this job".   

I priced it only about 14% higher than the long term rental which matches traveling health professionals' budget on Furnished Finder.So I'm leaning toward longer term rental because even if I secure midterm tenant, that 14% more isn't really worth the potential vacancy. 

The thing I would be worried about is that these two properties will consume your entire life, you will have to overspend on both, you will overdo it on both because of the attachment and will end up with properties that are worth way more to you (emotionally) than to the open market.Your area has starkly rising insurance costs because of fires and the property in Carlsbad being near the water now has strong flood risk so your insurance and holding costs are going to keep going up and up which may hold down the overall value.

This helps you, as the buyer, understand the health of the asset.Where in the post does it say anything about what a seller makes?

Please advise and have a blessed evening.Sincerely, Peter MihelichThe Plan: changing my life by helping others live in better conditions- 

Deferring taxes and upgrading your life!

My life is taking an expected turn and I'm in a kind of pinch.

That will help you "real-life" the knowledge from the books and learn how everyone's journey is different.You seem like you know the journey is long and your new day job is going to be a very important cog in that wheel.

You can always request Medical Documentation: Request documentation of her medical situation and a letter from her doctor to make sure her condition will improve and ask if she is up for taking care of the property while she is recovering.Check Her References: Contact previous landlords for references to get a sense of her reliability as a tenant.Lease Terms: You can always start with a 6 month or a 1-year lease option if you have a good idea of her overall health condition.  

From a quality of life perspective, I've been considering Georgia and the Carolinas.