I only have two units under their contract as I self manage those and use latchel as my emergency call service.

Key words or demographics I should focus on.3) when a property is under contract (especially if it isn't local) what services or practices are used to get pictures for marketing, showing the property, inspections, etc?

Be sure you contact a securities attorney to sort through all this and get a legal opinion. 

My tenant ended his military contract and is looking to move out, but I would like to formally request his move out date as of Feb 1. 

I have a ratified contract for a property.

Since you aren't looking until next year, you wont' be able to get a rate quote now, most likely not until you are under contract and they can lock that in. 

Can we avoid any legal litigation here?

There are loopholes in tax laws but the entire system isn't a loophole.Again, here is the definition - Loophole- A way of avoiding or escaping a cost or legal burden that would otherwise apply by means of an omission or ambiguity in the wording of a contract or law.

That said, it's certainly impacting my project in numerous ways and I will have legal expenses. 

I would rent out the Nevada property then later on, leave the Bay Area and move into the Nevada home to semi-retire (work on a part-time/contract basis) - there's no state income tax whereas California is taxing all my income, including rental income from my Indianapolis properties.