In this case, where they NEED to secure a new rental vs a case where they merely WANT to move, they’re expectations will become realistic VERY quickly.If a property owner could net the same amount of money doing a long term rental, then that’s what they’d do so to avoid the more work and less uncertainty of 30-90 day rentals.

However, as an agent and investor, we understand an accept that our payout comes with time- however for a project manager realistically looking for a 1099, being paid at the time of work is key to making sure you have the right person on your team.Is there realistically a way that you can create your projections of net profit on a project (in a scale format from X$ to Y$) and find a happy medium in there of expected net profit, and carve out your PM budget there?

I am happy to jump on a call and brainstorm the possibilities, and also give you an idea on realistic revenue potential so you can compare.

Talk to a local realtor who works with investors to see if $2600 is realistic for rent and who you'd be marketing to-likely a smaller tenant pool.Most people who rent fall into different categories-those who are just starting out and saving to buy their own home, those who move around and buying doesn't make sense and those who will never buy a home (either can't save the down payment, can't get approved for a mortgage or plain and simple don't want the responsibility of owning a home). 

I have dealt with investors before who want a grand slam  all the time and that is not realistic nor is it the type of deals I tend to do.

@Nadir M. tenant is responsible but realistically if a wasp nest is attached to the house I remove it. 

Some will be myopic with their advice, sharing what worked for them, without considering your unique challenges.Others, have already responded and showed they didn't read/understand your post, so their advice is almost worthless:(Another challenge will be making sure you expectations are realistic. 

Do you have any advice on how to temper expectations and remain realistic about my timeline considering the need to build up capital? 

Not being a pessimist being a realist as you can find 10 gurus who will charge you $10k to tell you how easy it is, but its not.

Realistically, I will be living in CA for the next ~5years; however, I'm not married to the area I'm currently living.