Just remember the property must be owned by the IRA, and you can’t personally manage or use it—all income/expenses need to stay within the IRA.2.First-Time Homebuyer Program:  This is what @Arthur Flores was mentioning. 

With the use of VRBO, Booking.com and direct bookings can all raise your chances of staying booked and being successful.  

Short term rentals are legal when the host is living in the same apartment as the guests and there are no more than 2 guests staying with the host."

Also, take time to understand Arizona landlord-tenant laws to stay compliant and protect your investment.

I have a couple of friends who have several rental units in Gettysburg and said the rents are good and he has many professionals who stay for a good amount of time and pay on time.  

I think it would be better just to stay on good terms and let him know you will contact him when you are ready to sell.

A mere "pet" must either stay home or charged extra for. 

But stay active doing SOMETHING.

The squeaky wheel wins in development so I'd recommend you staying on all communication with the city so that you can see the communication and push as the owner.

Quote from @Johnny Lynum: Quote from @Billy Smith: I like SFH in the A-B area rent it you do the  upkeep  doing as much as possible your self to help max your rent out .I like to pay down the note as fast as possible .If in a C-D area I would flip the SFH wash your hands of it.SFH are generally easier to unload if you get in a cash crunch, I like staying in the first time home buyers level of a SFH  keeping it in a hot zone .If I were a BIG fish I would do deals at various level's of course after  doing the home work .