There may not be any ways, but depending on the gains, sometimes the cost to try and defer is near the amount you are saving... 

Therefore, it really depends on where you want to visit, establish community, maybe and easier travel experience such as direct flight.  

Depending on the state, its either a mortgage or a deed of trust.  

I thought it would depend on bank appetite but I've heard back that vacancy isn't an issue so long as the property is self sustaining as is.I think there's a fine line between filling an open spot and resurrecting a dying center though.

Ultimately, the decision will depend on your personal preferences, financial goals, and risk tolerance.

Depending on the law where you are, you can give an MTM tenant as little as 30 days to vacate for any reason.

It depends.

I assume her credit history shows that she's making that mortgage payment dependably.

This will be state by state dependent but I do t recommend it be done by someone without experienceHire an attorney or your PM could do it but it sounds like you don’t have a PM

House hacking under $500k is definitely possible, but just depends on your long term goal.