That is why I have decided to go the buy and hold route and embark on this journey once and for all...I also have decided to invest out of state, as I am from the East coast and properties are very expensive in my own backyard.

These plans are getting cheaper all the time.And if fees are a problem, going the self directed route is even worse.

The W-2 route, ownership, or license is your only option in MN. 

This is the route I think I'm going to go. 

@David J Lepard @Hunter EidmannHopefully, you've identified the best route for yourselves since these posts went up.

REI is the best route to take in my opinion and I love it!

If they are indeed gone and not coming back to the area (and thus won't be filing an appeal) the eviction process is likely going to be the quicker, safer route for you as a landlordAbandonment is fine and dandy, but for me the number of days we had to wait would be just as long as an eviction with no appeals would be, and if the tenant came back at the 11th hour, we would have no recourse. 

@Nathan Greeney Nashville is more for renovations and development if you're interested in that route.

Any guidance on what route we should take or other advice will be appreciated!

Thanks for your help, definitely keeps my hopes for this route alive!