Have you considered converting to a vacation rental?

They are both currently rented and will be vacated by the end of July.

During the summer months you could look at renting the house out as a vacation or short term rental (if it's allowed in the municipality the property is located) which would allow for income during the time students are gone.  

I would imagine this is typically used for vacation homes not investments.

Before even thinking about purchasing a vacation rental I would check the rental rates in the area.Also the location it's in will be a really good factor in how much you can get for rental rates.Who will be showing the house, cleaning after guests leave, maintaining, marketing?

Taking them on a vacation for no reason, or simply having the time to take them to lunch and enjoy them while I still have them.

Personally, I don't really have to have my hand held so if I only got a chance to do a face to face meeting every now and then and other times, follow up via email, text, skype or phone that would suffice.Just a little food for thought,Anyway, I wish you all the best and I plan to rent one of your vacation homes for the winter in the next year or so.

Oh, you have a vacation home in another state that you rent out.  

It is a 3 BR townhouse in a vacation area.  

as much as i am a pro se person for small matters, in buying a property with such long term holdover, my only 2 options would be- a decent cash for keys offer- retain a local attorney with a track record of swift holdover eviction proceedings in court.why hasn't ur seller issued any notice to vacate?