If the conditions are not good, then you've saved a lot of grief and money buying into the wrong area at the cost of a lower amount of grief and money through the sub-lease.I 100% agree, though, that extended paralysis will render you subject to the whims of a changing market. 

She’s an investor and also lives here in Miami.

Finding the right property manager, purchasing the right property in areas where tenants are attracted to live, and having the right strategy is what will determine your success.

I am generating leads nationwide and live in Texas.

Separately — and this is a more minor gripe — it was complicating my tax situation to pay state and local income taxes in a place I didn't live anymore.I pitched to my parents that I would sell the place and roll it over into a comparable property closer to where I live.

How far away are the downspouts from the window and are they extended away from the house either above or below ground?

That alone has made our lives so much easier. 

Where I live it is about 30 days.  30 months is a long time to go without rent....and if 30 months is average, then that means some might be 40 months. 

@Hunter FerrariI live and invest in WV.

I have been looking at factors that affect where I would like to live (weather, politics, taxes, night life, etc.) but I am guessing that these don't necessarily indicate a good financial investment.