So, if you live in a house for 6 months, fix it up, and sell it- it's my understanding that we will have to pay the short-term capital gain tax.

@Chris Mason Good short and concise answer.

I'm still blackballed for another year or so due to a divorce-required short sale so need a lender to look past that and still want to lend. 

I am 46 and have a short timeline to get to success.

Did this happen shortly (within a month or 3) after the work was done?

You can slow down or stop investing, which isn't a bad strategy in the short term if you don't see deals that make sense for you.

Got an app for an apartment today that didn't make enough, but here's the deal. rent is $1650, x36 (1/3 income for rent) is $59,400 required income. He just started a Federal job at GS-7: $47,374, and will make GS-9, ...

I’ll be reaching out shortly!

Both are super quick trips by flight, and not too long by car if you're on a budget or need to leave on short notice.Another option may be further east if you have friends and family in the area ("boots on the ground") that can keep eyes on the property for you, meet contractors, property managers, etc. for you.Or if you're a pretty savvy investor, feel free to buy wherever you like, but don't get stuck in the trap of analysis paralysis.

Life is short...start telling yourself a different story about your abilities and opportunities.