If you are looking at nationwide, maybe narrow it down to 5 or so markets that interest you and look good financially. 

I see that I wasn't clear in my description of our current situation and our goals. 

We plan to remove them all to protect from tax increases on our current primary, but I am afraid that now that the other properties won't have homesteads, we may see skyrocketing tax bills and it will eat into already small cash flow from rental income.Does anyone have advice for how to handle this situation other than just increasing rent?

Be sure to consult with your CPA to determine if you can utilize these deductions based on your specific tax situation.

So in my situation I have instant booking turned on and didn't have Damage Protection.

I don’t know your living situation or if there are any nice 2-4 unit buildings in the area you’re moving to.

Living and working overseas can present unique challenges when it comes to securing financing, but there are definitely loan options designed for situations like yours.

If you believe you will be financially ready to build a year from now, perhaps you enter into a lengthier contract where you can obtain all of your building approvals and then settle at a later date.

Prioritize your financial stability.

And now with rates being high, plus many areas overbuilt with new apartment buildings, I’d be careful with unknown areas, and also what you read in the media about “hot” areas, up and comers, etc.I was in a similar situation to yours a couple years ago.