Here's my answer using a story I wrote/use for this very purpose:Two people, a REI and one of those two 20 somethings (thought I'd connect this to your story too...LOL), at different times, traveling down the same road. 

Then forget it exists until they call.... or don't. either way you are confident in that someone else paid more or you get to take it at a price you like. 

I'm assuming you're going to try to refinance to exit the hard money loan - are you confident in your numbers?

I work for Gov agency and travel a lot.

@Justin GottusoBlow it on traveling and partying...life happens fast...enjoy it

As far as your primary house goes, be sure to also check out doing a long-term furnished rental focused at traveling professionals.

I am confident that I have a good system in place, I understand the processes, have the work ethic and skill set.

Although the return would be lower, at least I could get started relatively easily without finding management and tenants, managing rehab etc, and hopefully I can gain confidence and learn along the way.Does anyone have thoughts on a long distance rental vs a long distance turnkey as as a first investment?

Being a licensed Realtor, I feel confident in managing the leases and financials, but depending on the demand for routine repairs and maintenance, that may need to be outsourced which is why I tried to increase my repair budget.

I can, from my experience, confidently say that there are far too many renters/people don't understand the real benefits/costs of real estate investing.