Is the backup to use it as an STR during these months?

I have a bit of a soft spot for the area as a UF grad, and I still come back to the area every year or two. 

I recommend lining someone up before you leave for a 1 year term.  

Hey there, I work with some of the best GCs in the philadelphia!

Looking forward to meet you at one of the events soon. 

@Marc Zak Using an LLC for each property provides strong liability protection by isolating risks to individual assets, with income and expenses flowing through to your personal taxes on Schedule E.

Look at the pictures to evaluate the quality of the materials and workmanship of the comparable sales and align your ARV accordingly. 

I supposed I'd just need to learn how to make the financing work and all.

A prudent investor doesn't seek quick riches through shortcuts.

I found houses that had not been well kept up.