I was a combat engineer myself, which I'd say is the Marine Corps equivalent.

If you have access to a thermal camera you may be able to see from the inside where cold spots are and figure out a way to combat them.Windows are a big area of heat loss too, if they are old that might be the biggest problem.

My mother is a realtor who is nearly 60, exercises regularly, but wouldn't stand a chance in any sort of hand-to-hand combat.

Review lease for 'disturbing other tenants' clause and the seniority of the two combatants  - - longest tenured tenant wins - - *IF* you do have to intervene.

I am wondering if I should hold it for a while in rent it out for a few years before selling to combat any surprises with the appraisal.

I spent 7 years in the military in a combat role.

How do we structure an offer to combat the all cash offers from other investors? 

They allow you up to 6 months to live the house sit empty for those special reasons. ..I'm not trying to be combative, just trying to get everyone think bigger and creatively by the biggest and best tool we have as veterans.

@Bill F. had a good suggestion to combat the depreciation. 

This helps combat the slower rental season that we see annually right now and helps people with moving expenses.