Should I consider lowering the rent price further, renting to these concerning candidates, or pivoting to a short-term or mid-term rental strategy (considering I live out of state)?

You can pivot, but if you are trying to do due diligence on how flipping, BRRRR, STR, and syndications would work for you, you will likely get stuck in the mud.Don't think that if you spend three months learning about flipping and decide the numbers don't work for you, you lost time.

Like Daniel mentioned, amenities could play a big role even if the price is a bit higher.

She was bigger than they were which could have played a role.  

I don't see him having a full-time role in it one day when he retires.

Transferring Your LLC via Will:Review Operating Agreement: Check if your LLC’s operating agreement addresses ownership transfer upon death.Update Your Will: Specify in your will that you intend to transfer ownership of the LLC to a named individual or individuals upon your death.Consult an Attorney: Seek advice from an attorney specializing in estate planning and business law to ensure your will is legally sound and compliant with state laws.Consider Tax Implications: Understand potential tax implications of transferring LLC ownership through your will and plan accordingly.Notify Your Successor: Inform the person named in your will about their future role in the LLC and provide necessary documents.Please feel free to reach out if you need any further assistance. 

The 1031 exchange must be performed by an unrelated 3rd party whose only role can be performing the 1031. 

With this strategy, you initiate contact with the homeowner, go under contract, and you can either close with them and buy the house yourself, or you take on the role of a wholesaler and assign the contract to another investor. 

More exit and pivot options as well because you have an asset that the banks will recognize and a much wider renter and buyer pool. 

I see dozens of AirBnB rent roles for active listings monthly and on average, a well run STR rental generates roughly 10%+ of the properties valuation in gross annual income.