Next, consider your controllable and uncontrollable expenses monthly for the trailing 36 months.

The great thing is you actually decided to take control of your financial future which is the Key. 

Lastly, the entire home we have decided to make "smart" and all locks, locks, thermostat, towel warmer, and mood lighting will be controlled via phones or computer.

Try to stay in control of whatever you are responsible for.  

Many people, like you, like the idea of at least investing in places they might visit, which has it's merits if you are going to be self-managing the property or just need to feel a bit more control. 

Try to keep control on everything you are responsible for.

Just seems prices are out of control and a ghetto house is $450,000.  

I like to have my money leveraged because I control more assets that way.

Back I n the early 80's I use to fly down to Lafayette as a Funding Control Officer that worked in Addison for a Savings and Loan that got taken over by the federal government in 1987.  

They may be better in the future but with summer, if things are off, give notice so new tenants can be in by September.Month to month is the beauty, you have control and start fresh with giving current tenant your terms and be firm from the start.