So my shorter term goals have changed to include making enough rental income, along with my savings, on our first two properties to spend a month exploring Europe within a year after graduation.

I recently went through this with a duplex I sold for an acquaintance...we finally ended up changing the locks and keeping a key to each unit...we'd give 24-hour notice for showings and inspection and try to complete when they were at work...all according to the lease terms of course.This is a tough issue in general...keep us posted how this plays out.

My point it that my plan changed almost as soon as I got in the game.

The renovation cannot be for any structural changes, i.e. you can't change the floorplan to have an open concept between the kitchen/family room or add an additional half-bath, but you could redo the kitchen, roof, etc. 

Lets say you purchase a home in a state under this "intend to.." clause, but either you get orders elsewhere or life changes and you aren't moving back to that state where you bought anytime soon?

Maybe you find that you'd like to change PMs based on these findings.

Changing it legally to a 3-unit may be doable, or may be next to impossible depending on your town/city.

Trying to get into another one before the leaves change in October which is a very busy season.

Not much use in August and September but it doesn't change it's character and become non-investment during those months.  

I wasted money on this "service" for years before officially changing it to myself.