This is one of my personal properties near downtown Gatlinburg.

These are very personal decisions.I can't tell you how many times I had a seller pay me to go in and redo kitchens and baths, and then get called back by the new buyer to redo the brand new custom work....just because of color.I would just put the house on the market and price it a little high, maybe $20k...?

So it needs to be balanced out and not by the same person.

I'll shoot you a PM you'd be a great person to work with 

If you can go to some in person, all the better, but even just looking up FB groups for investors in that area or even "real estate" in that area. 

So personal preference and your goals. 

With seller financing, the person selling the house lends you the money, and you pay them back directly.

I am currently not in the US and won't be able to see the house in person.

Even personally holding the discussions with the tenants potentially damages YOUR outcome.Landlord Representation in SF

Be thankful they are taking this step on their own to ensure they don't get behind and stick you with unpaid rent.I'm sure how much they may be approved for varies on a case-by-case basis, but I have tenants who have paid the full rent for multiple months through COVID rental assistance.Your role is limited, and in my personal experience requires just a bit of information on the balance due and a signature.