I would be fearful of the liability.Gas and electric...

Are they very prevalent in homes in that area?

I also read a book by @David Greene about investing long distance and was really getting excited- I even made a 3 day site trip out to Richmond, VA as a test run.I started typing out a really long reply - to keep it short - it's fear that is stopping me from looking elsewhere. 

On the other hand I’m glad I made the move to break through my fears and get the ball rolling.

I fear it is like the school distract that spends all of the money allocated on current expenses and hopes to convince the voters of supporting a school bond for cap expenses. 

Your best bet is work quickly to fill the property.Don't fear losing tenants or vacancy.

I don't find any lock laws for Massachusetts except that a lock change is mandatory if the tenant reports a valid fear for their personal safety: CLICK HEREThat's the only guidance I find requiring mandatory lock law.

But, since you want this to be a rental anyway, you’re only real fear is non-payment or damage when they leave. 

My line of questioning here is instead meant to make sure there's no "fear disguised as practicality" underneath the Schooling decision.Assuming the schooling is the right choice for you guys, does it have to be an all or none decision? 

I'd have fears about the tenant miss using my property, breaking the lease, or saying "I paid for 12 months so you can't evict me".