Coupled with the fact that you believe there might be a chance you will need to come back to the Bay Area and that the slight negative cash flow is not an issue for you, you should just hold on to the property.

Is this a common thing (STR mini community)?

It could be many other issues as well.

The biggest issue here is property taxes which could almost double a mortgage payment.

The clients I've worked with had issues with parties for their larger homes and ended up leaning towards traditional rentals or mid-term.

Look out for probable markets taking into account issues revolving around employment opportunities, population shifts, tendencies in renting out homes coupled with economic stability.

You are making a common mistake of failing to set a deadline.When I want a response from my tenant, I set a deadline and a consequence for failing to respond."

I can get you a short term note, 4-6 months no issue.

@John O'Leary  I kind of have the same issue, but it's a condo in the building where I currently live.

That ruling was interesting, but still leaves the issue unresolved.