Even better, get some self employment activity and sponsor a solo 401k then no UBIT on leveraged real estate!   

An S-Corp might help reduce self-employment taxes by allowing you to take a salary and receive dividends. 

In contrast, STRs work this way intentionally, by design. 

For your first project it is nice to be able to see it, talk with all the people involved, know the area, know the schools, know the employers, know the neighborhood, meet your trades, etc. 

Chances are, a guy who can afford $5K in rent will eventually be employed again and want to deal with that judgment you obtained against him.

Contrast that to LPs dipping into their pockets further to buy a replacement cap, so it’s understandable why that gets people’s attention.Don’t get me wrong, short-term maturity risk 10+ years into a bull run is ill-advised to say the least.  

Since your primary address was the condo as of your last tax return, you could argue that you maintained a primary residence there, even while living abroad.In case if you don't complete the desired period, I guess you will be able to claim partial exclusion as from your question I understand that you left the residence due to employment purpose.

We have them provide the previous 2 landlords and contact info from their place of employment.

If yes, I can help you from an employment perspective. 

It happens in housing and employment, regardless of the letter of the law.