What's the reason you'd like to entertain the owner carrying the note vs a bank? 

Theres lots of golfing and outdoors stuff

I'd try to feed them and put something on to entertain them while I try to get sporadic 30 min naps.

I don't pretend to think 2nds are something everyone should entertain.

There are a few places open for public but there are some pretty good spots with outdoor seating around Boone and Blowing Rock for a meet up.

And, depending on how cold winters get where the properties are, you may have to spend extra on thick insulation so that you’re not paying a fortune for electricity by trying to keep a “hot tee cup” (water heater) hot when it’s sitting outdoors in below freezing weather. 

I have wifi thermostats, wifi water heater, outdoor security cameras, but still use a lock box.

Finally, another comment you made somewhere about places one would love to live in if they could, and you mentioned Whidbey Island and other smaller places in WA which get fewer rainfall than Seattle and still offer outdoor activities, etc.

I've been at nearly 100% occupancy, averaging just over $450/nt.I've received an inquiry from someone that wants to stay a couple of months sometime from Nov-Feb (they're flexible), and I'd like to at least entertain the idea of a longer term stay during the slower winter months. 

I am kind of entertaining the idea of living in a fix and flip to build equity in the home using a FHA loan then renting it out.