I am sick to my stomach because I know better but my hope over powered me.

When that person said that, we realized how much power we had to negotiate terms that helped us reach our goals.You can't just take what's being offered when you negotiate.

However, the power of leverage will make you very wealthy in only 10 years or less when you factor in your monthly cash flow, principal pay down of your mortgage and 5% appreciation.

His were cheap to buy, easy to clean and are booked continuously, he has the HOA to contend with.  

i always thought that japanese make great tenants, respectful, clean, pay on time.

The power of compounding in real estate is real - yet most professionals don't understand how powerful it really can be even though they talk about generating wealth.The true power of a 1031 exchange is the ability for an investor to meet their investment objectives without losing equity to taxation.

Also, does anyone use/have feedback on local Airbnb cleaning services?

As @Charles Carillo said, you can make the most of that time, but most people just waste the 4-5 years and then end up doing something unrelated to their degree field anyway.Maybe look into a Trade School, like an electrical one....nice clean work that pays really well.

Once you got you area you need to focus on you hone in and get it going.The power of delegation will take you further, the formalities of legal enterprises will keep you from getting hosed. 

Since they are nearby, they would have local housekeeping and handyman contacts for cleaning and emergencies.