I would also suggest putting up a 24-hour notice to inspect the property and verify her continued presence.

A suggestion about Furnished Finders, their calendar sucks because you can't block off your high-season months, a real detriment to taking bookings through them.

Have an opportunity to assume a VA loan and wondering if I HAVE to do it in my personal name, or if my entity can assume the loan.

I am wondering if taking such a risk would stretch me really thin or is there a safer approach to take.

Here are a few suggestions on how you can maximize the wealth of information available: Check out the blogs and podcasts, or take advantage of the search feature (magnifying glass).

I can suggest some other areas as well depending on where you guys are looking. 

Would you suggest an experienced attorney or is it best to work through a leasing broker?

I'm planning to start an LLC but I'm wondering if I should wait until I have 100% chosen my market so I use the state of that market? 

For example, instead of an initial 6-month lease at $1,200/month, and then re-renting it in the summer with a higher rental rate, you could market it as a 16-18 month lease term (again, great suggestion by Tim) at $1,600/month with a "1 Month of Free Rent" special which you could either divide evenly across just the first 4-6 months of the lease, or prorate over the entirety of their lease term.  

Wondering if the vacancy rate is higher in the area as it seems more advantageous to just buy a house and pay mortgages rather than renting.