In other words, find an investment property that makes sense to you and pull the trigger. 

So as noted its best to be locked in and loaded for when the dream property presents itself. 

If not I will try to refinance and then either pull the trigger on furnishing the home for STR (cleaners and handymen were hired/ interviewed on the trip out,) and still have the boots on the ground in case of emergency.. or just long term rental and refinance, repeat…Not a perfect deal, but I learned a ton!

Other groundsLandlord violates tenant’s privacy rights;Landlord wrongfully cuts off water, wastewater, gas or electric service; andLandlord wrongfully changes the locks or prevents tenant from being in the rental property.In all of these cases, it is important to read your lease agreement and negotiate any terms and conditions accordingly.

You don't have to buy to move forward, but you have to take the real steps to buy, like seeing properties in person, getting your finances ready, and locking in on an agent (the rest can all wait).

The owner warned me it may be squatter occupied, and I went to look at it myself, it bad clothes hanging and 2 locked doors that I assume someone was living in.

Worst case: While interest may be somewhat elevated, think of it as a high price for a short time rather than something you're locked into forever.

(you may already have this available)17) Smart lock install (helps owner and your company to be more efficient and secure)18) Rent guarantee programs (requires agreement with service provider - I'm personally not a fan of these, but they are available on the market) There are others, of course, but these are "up and coming" types of additional services PMs can offer to owners.

I’ve been waiting for the truth to come out as I don’t believe at all the mail with tracking just disappeared from her locked mail box.

I will be moving out of the country for work and won't be back until 2026 so we only have a "local" market for the immediate future and then we are locked in to "out of state" investing.