Since we will not have the time to actively pursue real estate investments  during this period, what are tips on staying engaged in the market and ready to roll once he returns home?

Get the ball rolling on financing. 

I am a licensed realtor in the Metropolitan Detroit are - where I have invested - and am in the process of becoming licensed here in SF - awaiting my test date.

While you may think that your bill should be lower because it only took "literally 15 minutes of his time" and he could have used "the financial statement HE CREATED for me months prior", you're completely ignoring the risk absorption factor.And before anyone sighs and rolls their eyes, that's a very real risk in the professional services. 

This was a mistake- the new version was suppose to be hidden in Beta mode for testing, but it seems to have been made available for more than just the few select testers.

Counting on mostly just appreciation is definitely not something that I would be into, however if I could refinance with a 20% down loan from the equity in the property, then it could very well get the ball rolling 🤔

Since the deal already was going through the primary offer process, we waived all contingencies including appraisal, financing, inspection, and any other extra tests like LBP and radon.

Just allow the purchaser to be able to do test it.Your new furnace will sit well, right where the other furnace was.

Once my property manager and myself got rolling on my value add the process began to run extremely smooth even with the extensive rehab of the property. 

You could do a 1031 exchange at this point and roll the proceeds into another property.I think I would sell now when you wouldn't have to pay capital gains taxes.You could use some of these proceeds to buy another rental property and take advantage on a low down payment on your next owner occupied property.