My experience has been that although I outline the requirements for tenancy in my properties, both brokers and PMs still send people who would qualify for most property owners but do not meet my outlined criteria; and then are SHOCKED when I reject them.  

Always recommend doing a soft-pull especially since not sure exactly when you'd find a property but you can get qualified and get some estimates.  

I've had qualified renters move into a rental, add their bum friends or family members, and then disappear, leaving me with bad renters who weren't approved and aren't on the lease.The best practice is to screen every adult, approve them, and add them to the lease. 

Absent the DTI "immediate credit" he may not qualify for a new loan for the size of home he seeks inside of the 9-12 months after he sells.

This is a long revived post- I'll add a little tax pro insight from what's happened in the last 2 years The IRS went from < 100 engineers on staff who were qualified to audit cost segregations to a few hundred. 

At the price point you qualify for, I'd be looking at a more landlord friendly state with more approachable price points.

If your medical condition qualifies as a disability and your current living situation isn't suitable, you might have grounds to break your lease without penalty.'

@Brad Kanouse Using Traditional IRA funds for an investment property typically incurs income tax and a 10% penalty if you’re under 59½, as investment properties don’t qualify for tax exemptions.

Even trusting a brand new GC who's licensed/"qualified" is a risk from out of state, let alone out of country.

Another possibility is a cash-out refinance on your dad’s house if it qualifies, which would tie the loan directly to that property.