If I own a property with a 1k mortgage per month and it stays empty (or I'm trying to evict) for a couple of months then I'll be ok.

Last short term rental we put on the market was booked for a 30 day stay first day on the market.

I like to stay in the working class areas as they make enough to pay the rent and bills, but don't have the financial discipline to save enough to purchase their own home. 

Focus on saving, building your credit, and connecting with local investors.

Since this situation was so egregious (IMO), I would either boot them out now, or at least have a serious talk, real serious....If you're going to let them stay I would just get a really deep cleaning done, maybe a couple, and then replace carpet after they're gone.

Good luck and happy to connect. 

Feel free to reach out if you have any questions about the local market here or want to connect! 

Stay in and be part of this 721 or lose my investment most likely.

Property comes with amenities such as swimming pool, outdoor grills, playground structure and each unit has washer/dryer connections.

It seems you and your husband have the ability to make a property more desirable and I would try to stay local for the same reasons you listed.