Hard money rates/terms so awful I don't see it as a viable option unless have some insane deal.

I would find a loan officer that does both conventional and FHA renovation loans to compare which has better rates and terms for your situation.

However, when the first buyers failed to come through with cash as specified in their terms, the seller pulled out and offered us the opportunity to purchase the property at the asking price, and we did.

I've also heard that traveling nurses are good mid term occupants, so try reaching out there. 

There are also bank statements loans as long as he has at least 10% down (20% is much better) and good credit.

I guess I was in analysis paralysis for a very long time.

Maybe another one is tenants may tend to stay longer as long as they are eligible for the program.Not 100% sure, but I don't think they always pay that FMR number. 

Does anyone have any advice on effectively setting up temporary battery-operated cameras on a long-term rental property to deter break-ins and squatters while rent-ready repairs are being made before a tenant moves in?

And even then, the life cycle is generally pretty long from first contact to closing.  

Option A would allow me to keep it as a long term rental .