Unless its a perfectly turn key deal with market rate tenants, you'll actually have more control over a property upon closing with vacancies than if it had tenants.

Your state may have a provision on point, but if it does not, then the lease controls.

By way of background, I have been working as a Medical Device Sales Representative specializing in orthopedics and total joints with Johnson & Johnson | DePuy Synthes.

You can still access the main site via a web browser on your mobile device.

The home must be in the owner's sole control year-round. 

Quote from @Chidvi Pemula: I avoid smart devices, particularly on short-term rentals.

A buyer cannot control seller's net requirements, and a seller can control what they want the public to see. 

If it's a SFH there's no rent control.

I have the general skills required to refurbish properties while keeping the costs controlled since I have a hands on approach and spend most of the time doing it myself.Are investors here more interested in investing nationwide or also open to investing abroad?

House hack will be great place to start, fourplexes are reasonably priced in San Jose, but keep in mind the rent controls apply to 2+ units.