Providing input for you on renting vs buying (investing) at this point doesn't help much as it really depends on your budget and short/long term goals. 

Cats are the worst pets to have short of large farm animals.

I’m a seattle native, local investor, and will be an agent shortly (taking the test in the next 2 weeks).  

Some of these points (1, 3 & 5) are covered in the details of the deal: Not CBS, roof in good condition (5+ yrs), wood exterior would need some repairs in short time, electric OK, plumbing would need repair.

Because we both work short term contracts, we cant show employment by one company for the last two years like all conventional lenders require.

Most lenders offering non-recourse loans to an IRA borrower will require significant cash reserves in the IRA for this very reason.Since you cannot add funds personally, the IRA may need to bring on a joint-venture partner or take a loan from someone who is not a disqualified party to cover a short term cash crisis as you describe.

You will need to account for the vacancy (1/12 month 8.33%), repairs (these are short-term items and it sounds like you have already done some of the work yourself - assume 5% of rental rate $130), property management (assume 10% $260), cap x (assume 5% - $130). 

@Emily Griffith - Hey- we specialize in the short-term rental niche (Airbnb) here in Colorado... and also do videos for BiggerPockets on the same subject.

I had a 2%+ rule a short drive away, in the next town.

They are great for short term debt that you will pay back quickly.If there isn't a solid plan to pay it back quickly, cash out refi usually makes the most sense.