Get a mentor to help you and always Check with an attorney to assure you are in total compliance.I build new for rental primarily for the following reason: 1) I am a builder and have the KSAO's (knowledge, Skills, Abilities, and Other) means necessary to efficiently and effectively build; 2) I buy all my land substantially below market value (usually off-market); 3) any land I buy at market has an immediate value-add component that can quickly make it worth more that what I paid for it; and 4) Cap Ex is generally MUCH less for new construction which means a stronger cash flow up front, but you are always going to need to maintain a suitable Cap Ex account if you are truly going to hold for more than I'd say 7-10 years.... but everybody has their separate opinions and thought process concerning what the "right" amount to designate to Cap Ex is proper..... 

@Ray Agosto partnering with someone you trust who has suitable credit.  

Is this where you'd apply the 70% of ARV minus rehab and expense to reach a suitable offer number?

If I do choose to rent my house out, after Cap Xs, PM, taxes and the mortgage I would come out nearly even, with no real cash flow and feel that it would be wiser to buy a cash-flowing rental in a more suitable market.I just got orders to Annapolis, MD and the market there is even more expense than Virginia Beach.  

The Reverse 1031 Exchange allows you to spend all the time you need to locate, identify and acquire suitable Replacement Property.

This places the duty to perform on the contractor, as they give you a time suitable to them. 

The log book looks like the last visitors were in November.

Maybe being by the airport might be tough for short term rentals, as far as being a desirable location for visitors.  

You and your mother might consider using an investment advisor to evaluate which offerings are suitable and promising.

Practical floor covering suitable to the region.