I'm not looking to make money off him; but do need to have the discussion with him that he's breaking the lease and there are consequences to that.

Since this is an investment (maybe retirement home in the long-run) which I must hold for at least two years, I don't want to buy at the top of the market.I'm also looking for a real estate agent who might be available to discuss and help with the process if you could make a recommendation for this type of situation?

Quote from @Chris Murdien: I've discussed this ad nauseam in the forums for over a decade.

Discussion like this is something to watch closely. 

I'd schedule a meeting with the tenants to discuss the above, and at the same time I'd do a quick inspection.

the easiest way to building real estate empire while not necessarily to be working so hard is to work for company like nvidia lolwe created our own money printing system first via our job and career and from that money we re-invested into real estate, that's the riskless strategy ever personally lol

Happy to discuss what you've been doing and where there might be holes in your plan, ways to improve, or if you just need to stay the course.I don't love the fix-and-flip model in these kinds of markets.

Our dilemma is should we go to an area where job opportunities are less just to pursue RE.2.

I've come across discussions on cash buying versus financing, and Airbnb versus long-term rentals.

The STRs don't fall under WA LT law and we have heard much discussion from the city on restrictions.