However what this led to was an expectation of my being an urgent and immediate problem solver rather than a property manager.

The Inspirada development has plenty of parks, pools, dog parks, trails, and playgrounds.  

And off they fly towards the 'burbs like its the 1950's.Either that, or their destiny has always been the house with the fake shutters and the fence and the front lawn and the dog.

My wife and I considered it but we have a baby and dogs.

What do you need today that is urgent?   

But don’t buy a dog just to avoid Uncle Sam.

For example, if I'm planning to STR a duplex, I can probably pay more than if I'm planning a long-term rental, or planning to live in half forever.All of that is to say: a good deal usually looks like a dog to most people. 

My concern is also the dog which probably doesn't have water and food?

You may want to take a very close look to make sure Tenant is adhering strictly to the lease. for example if lease said no pets and they've got a dog....

They're mostly things to be used outside anyway.There are no cars up on blocks, no barking dogs tied up in the yard, and nary a still in sight.