In our area, its fairly "normal" for showings to happen after accepted offer to minimize disruption to tenants. 

Once vetted, I compile this exclusive list and share it with my clients.

Here would be a reasonable case if you sold the property while getting the section 121 exclusion.

We did not know if our proximity to Nashville would be more important because of the fact that we would be doing a short-term rental with the property for half of the year and then using the property exclusively as a rental in a few years?

Also keep in mind when I started funding investment rentals in 2002 for CA investors 100.00 a month cash flow was the goal and accepted.. and even break even or a little negative was fully acceptable in markets with historic appreciation..

Once the sellers accept the offers.. 

Scope of WorkThe Subcontractor agrees to perform the following work (“Scope of Work”):Detailed description of tasks and responsibilities.Exclusions: [List any exclusions here].Materials to be provided by: [Contractor/Subcontractor].Reference drawings or plans: [Attach if applicable].2.

Your income isn't high enough for it to make sense as a rental and the closer you get to your residence limit the greater pressure you will have to sell it before losing your exclusion in whole or part. 500k right now can make $15k per year income with zero maintenance or tenant risks. 

When they do, you can refinance to a lower rate.Dealing with current high interest rates (about 7% on 01/27/2025) you have the following choices:A larger down paymentAccept a negative cash flowBuy down the interest rateCombine and balance all three to get an acceptable cash flow today.

So while moving back into it for 2 years does bring the 121 exclusion back into play, that exclusion is reduced based on the percentage of Non Qualified usage over the holding period.