The house in IL is empty, only the appliances are being rented along with house, ie; Fridge, stove, microwave, dishwasher, washer and dryer.

Yes the HOA eats into my monthly cash flow but I also haven't had to pay to fix anything more then a light or a microwave in the 5 years I've been renting it out.

This worked out well for me because I start many microwave fires, fall down the stairs often, and have a worse sense of direction than a blind person, but I know I have the drive, work ethic, and tenacity to become extremely successful. 

3 kitchens: The main 3/2 has a standard kitchen with an island, the In-law has a 10 foot kitchen running against the wall with a frig, sink, microwave and burner top.

The only thing I installed was the sink and the microwave.

If it is not a high priority repair, we may take 2-3 days to come out to repair their broken microwave handle. 

My wife found some incredible deals like $300 for a Range, Microwave and Dishwasher and $420 for a house full of cabinets we used in the kitchen, bath, and gave away a few spares.

Long story short, this has caused a leak through my roof, attic, kitchen ceiling and cabinetry, and damage to my microwave and stove.

Besides, you can stretch the counter out over the bump-out area where the trash can will be to extend that working surface.If it were me, I'd actually use a 30" range, switch the cabinet next to it to a 12" so that I could always use a standard range and standard vent hood or (more appropriately) an over the range microwave.

And the kitchen...even though I don't usually cook when I travel, I like having the fridge and microwave, full size trash cans, etc...