Sometimes you just have to suck up the cost and make sure you have a cushion of savings.  

I bought a patio set this weekend and dropped it off in the courtyard and they couldnt have been happier.. it was to cushion the blow to those who had thier rent practically doubled.. they are happy and thankful.. if they dont seem to use it i wont do it next year

Also depends on how much cash cushion you have while overseas.

I also ran the numbers and determined if (i.e. when) I went over-budget on the remodel, how much room would I have before positive cash flow was in jeopardy – and the math showed there was plenty of cushion for the remodel if needed.Main floor floorplan:The remodel took 3 months and here is a summarized list of the work: New RoofNew guttersNew Hardee plank siding3 new porches/deckNew fencingMassive landscaping overhaulOil tank & furnace removal/decommissioningNew vinyl windowsNew exterior doors (5)New plumbing (with the exception of the main line to the street)New electrical (all the way to the masthead)New electric register heat (to replace old oil furnace)New kitchens/appliancesNew bathrooms (gutted to the studs)Paint inside and outNew flooring (LVP, tile, and carpet)According to Quickbooks, I ended up spending $132k on the remodel…way more over budget than I thought I’d be.

Thats a lot and pretty much is all my profit/maintenance cushion.  

Just build in a better cushion for vacancy to be conservative nature with economic conditions.  

Keep in mind if you have to evict and your security deposit is less than 1 month's rent, you won't have enough cushion to cover the lost income.

I am keeping one months rent as security deposit and little cushion.

They want to see that the person they're lending money to is capable of having a cushion in case the SHTF.So, try another argument on me.  

If it’s the latter, dont buy anything until you have a cushion of 3-6 months living expenses saved AND a plan to cut your expenses down drastically to stretch it out should the worst happen.