So my question is, how long does that member have to be there until you can resort back to a regular tenant?

In addition, long holds historically have produced good returns in that market.  

Our strategy is to purchase a multi-family unit that would allow us to occupy one unit and rent out the remaining units on a long term basis. 

You can arbitrage as long as you have your Vacation lodging services license, but finding an owner to let you Airbnb their property is very hard to come by.  

The other option would be to see if you give them a long escrow to get out of the house.

If I was in your position I would look to air bnb or VRBO the property you purchase in San Diego this way you will have less negative cash flow than if you were to rent it out to a long term tenant. 

Natalie Vane Okay, it's Saturday night, I have a couple of long-shot ideas.

I saw an opportunity to buy because properties were remaining on the market for a long time. 

Hello!  I am currently a commercial retail tenant agent, have one rental property and am looking to grow my portfolio.  I have a lot to learn and am excited to connect with people in/around Atlanta and across the coun...

v=5yLr4ktCtqY&t=1807s).David and Rob advised that since I'm in a bad location, I should consider selling the house and buying in a better area judging by the long time it took to get a tenant.