I'm a buy and hold gal, recently medically retired from the Army. 

Medical office tenant rep broker.Check with SIOR.com 

I explained to her that we did not have the funds to purchase the house, and that my wife would be completing medical school at the end of the year.

HELOCs often close a LOT slower than the conventional 30YF stuff.

That has helped bring a lot of technology and medical based jobs to the area and also some good amenities like google fiber.

So I find a cute town home that around my house in Lehi would sell for around $230,000 right now and it listed for only $79,000. its newer built in 2007 and looks great so I drive by it one day when I am working in vernal with a medical sales rep.

Unfortunately, when you say "comfort" pets, you are likely talking about service or emotional support animals, and you are already required to allow them without any additional pet deposit or pet fee as they are considered medically necessary,  like a ramp for a wheelchair must be accommodated. 

Might be able to find better deals also since most retail buyers aren't looking to move during the Holidays so in my opinion right now is one of the better times to try and secure some deals while the market is slower.

Rents are low overall, but there's lots of opportunity because of the proximity to KU Medical.

If a potential tenant has filed Chapter 13 due to needing to withdraw money from their 401k accounts to pay for the funeral expenses for several family along with medical expenses, and owing back taxes because of the 401k withdrawals, would you rent to them?