There are tables to tell you what length of time you can claim depreciation. 

However, I have no idea how or where to get started, especially since I am no longer in the US for any extended length of time.

You need to show a structured payment over a specific length of time, payoffs don’t hurt, but structured payments work better for you.I emphatically agree with the paying all your bills on time, unless it is collections (I made another post about that).

On their end, if they have no money, then in my case all I can get in the deposit - unless I go to great lengths to get a judgment and even more troubles to collect.So I'd try to be cooperative:  "Clean up very well, set out the For Rent sign, and allow people I screen to come view - and let them know I'm a great landlord. 

That said, there's no absolute requirement (of which I'm aware, please someone correct me if I'm wrong) that you retain the home for any particular length of time, unless specified by whoever sells it to you.

It sounds like they will remain in the project for some length of time. 

We're keeping an eye on it and encouraging more "mid-term" length rents where we can.

Other than that, it could be some upgraded finish outs or features or possibly a mix of various lease lengths with furnishings, etc. 

The length of the content should not be very short or very long.

Credit Length - how long you’ve had credit.