They could last a very long time.We found that if you don't provide curtain rods and the tenant wants curtains, they will put them up in their own fashion... so be aware of the potential for holes being made in your nice window frame and molding!

They have even stated they just want to be rid of the property so they can retire and ride off into the sunset. 

It was a long road for us and I suspect you'll be in for a ride as well.

Start with a design package after doing research on what best fits the play (in this case research what is fashionable now).

Just get it and ride it for 6-8 months, then do another. 

Worst case- I paid $9000 for a 20 acre goat/horse ranch on the edge of town with a lot of existing roads and riding obstacles!

If the title can't be cleared for a few months, simply let your buyer know and ask him if he wants his deposit to ride or if he wants out.Remember, if he were to just back out for any reason, you keep the deposit he wrote out to the title company.

Ride the area of your rental and try to find and active house for rent.

Always aim to have another deal in process so you can avoid the "feast or famine" roller coaster ride most investors suffer from.  

What a wild and amazing ride that lies before you.