I routinely do this to get leases that end in summer.

This seems like a pretty routine problem. 

Those that we've found have terms that are very strict or cuts into our cash flow pretty significantly.

Just wondering what are your daily habits or routines that you are doing.

There are some very successful real estate investors who rent their primary residence because it's the right decision for them, so it's not strictly necessary.

Canada seems more strict on skip tracing than the US. 

Pull together: (1) a spreadsheet to evaluate deals, (2) a spreadsheet to track your projects, (3) connect with a local Agent so that you can get access to MLS, (4) line up financing and (5) create a daily routine for this part of your life.  

Another is out of state, but a dear friend who's soon-to-be retiring on the cash flow found them and she and her husband have been really happy.These folks are financial planners -- bigger picture, holistic financial planning.if you want to focus on managing your real estate portfolio (strictly), your best bet would probably be a team approach: an investment-focused real estate broker, a lender who understands investing and (especially in light of Portland's current landlord tenant laws) a property manager. 

I hate having this vacancy but I am definitely waiting unless someone meets all of my strict but necessary requirements.

In my experience, FHA loans have more strict requirements for the home and generally offer less favorable loan options than conventional loans.