Then I'm looking at the active comps in the area as well as what the market in that location has done over the past month.

Quote from @Dustin Wilkes: Well hello there everyone.  

But recent projections suggest that may not happen after all.While mortgage rates are still expected to decline some later this year, projections from Fannie Mae, the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), and Wells Fargo now show them stabilizing closer to 6.5% by the end of the year (see below):That means if you’re holding off on buying a home in hopes of much lower mortgage rates, you may be waiting a while.

It is always tough, I was talked into renting to my family and it did not go well.

With your considerable experience and, I'm assuming, strong credit score, you would be well-positioned to receive high leverage and low rates from most private lenders.

In PA, IRS liens will have a 120 day right of redemption with a mortgage foreclosure (and with a judicial tax sale as well).

Well said! 

I’m open to other suggestions as well, but especially interested in any info/suggestions regarding the markets listed below.

I certainly think that’s a great option as well.

The first guest that I mentioned went through the full eviction process and left before being removed by the sheriff.Since I’m telling stories here, I’ll also tell you that I am one of the rare hosts who has successfully evicted a short term rental guest as well.