Most renters are used to that set up, you have to speak their language.

I can't speak for all, but any worth their while aren't going to set you aside because you can't do anything for them right now.

If water is an issue you can set something up by running a hose from a neighbor to your main water supply that comes into the house if others have water.

However, it does limit when it must be returned (within “a reasonable time” after a tenant moves, usually 21-45 days) and sets other restrictions on deposits.

I don't have good enough GC connections to set it up long distance.

I have about 350K in cash and about 900K in retirement funds that I could access, I think tax and penalty free by setting up a ROBs (a method I am investigating that via the tax code apparently lets one use retirement savings by setting up a C corp and funding a company by buying stock in it with retirement funds).  

If you have $400K equity in a set of properties worth $4 million, you'll have a tough time getting any of it. 

I would talk to your real estate attorney about setting up a syndication.

I bought the home in my name but have since set up an LLC.

Or should I set up an LLC first?