I'm considering either downtown Durham or Chapel Hill in the neighborhood around TJ's and Whole Foods.

So factor in another $2K-$4K a year in expenses for flights, hotel, car rental, food, etc.

I would move in, take care of all the new house kinks, improve the home as you live there then my next purchase would be a duplex where you live in one half and rent the other.

Became unable, because of a change in employment status, to pay basic living expenses for the household (including expenses for food, clothing, housing, medication, transportation, taxes, court-ordered payments, and expenses reasonably necessary for making an income).

The fridge is still under warranty, and was told the repair will be completed in a week due to a part that needed to be ordered.My tenant asked if she could be reimbursed for food lost the 3-4 days the fridge was not working well.  

I think fast food or some other restaurant would do well, lots of options.

Rotting food.

Food for thought, the cash buyer might want to do an inspection.

That means that twice a year I have to buy a plane ticket, pay for a hotel, food, etc.  

If your units turnover one every 10 years it's a non-issue, but if it's once a year it can chew away at that cash-flow pretty heavily.Anyway, just some random food for thought.