One alternative to that would be to offer "Cash for Keys" where you offer an incentive for the tenant to move out before the term ends. 

Alternatively, can you make an offer while waiting to get approved?

There's a small but active group of Rhode Islanders here who will be happy to help you with any questions you might have :)I also typically recommend people attend local RE investor groups such as RIREIG which meets monthly in Warwick and Black Diamond REI which meets monthly alternating between Worcester MA and Burlington MA.I know a lot of local investors who also work full time, and it can be a grind, but the nice thing is, banks love to see that W-2 income so it should be easier to build up (though harder to juggle everything, of course :)If you haven't already seen it, I do recommend the Bigger Pockets Ultimate Beginners Guide and of course, the entertaining & informative BP podcasts.

Especially if you could focus on student housing, Georgia Southern is expanding as a university and becoming a viable alternative to other big state schools like UGA since those are becoming more and more competitive to get into.

Better alternative tax shelter account for real estate investment is the Solo 401k (see also self-directed 401k, QRP, eQRP).Fortunately, the money you put into the Roth IRA (your contributions) can be withdrawn for any reason without paying taxes or penalty, but the earnings cannot.

And I find that tenants prefer having their own detached cottage to the alternative of living in a cramped apartment community.Many of the comments in this thread refer to tiny houses (which are built on a trailer and are thus more akin to RVs or mobile homes).

On (iii), since our operating partner may qualify as a "real estate professional," so actively participating with more than 750 documented hours, they would be entitled to a different tax treatment vs the other 2 investors. 

Is there any alternative?

Alternatively you have offered a hotel for housing while you continue to deal with this issue, that cost is on you because they are paying you to provide them housing and your isn't available.

Bottom line- he needs to come back to NY for treatment, needs a place to live with his 2 black labs and is willing to pay 12 months up front.