He was trying to talk me into letting him stay for a couple of weeks to have a garage sale and clean everything out.

No real surprise there. 

Don't be surprised if they take the faucet with them when they leave. 

Is it better to stay with one strategy or should you always diversify your approach?

Look, I want my renters to enjoy a warm pool in the winter months and stay cool in the summer, but these utility bills are eating away at our income....Anyone have any ideas about managing this issue more effectively?

I am afraid that I will buy it and stay vacant because is so big (It will rent at about $30,000 per year and renter is responsible of NNN,or at least is what the realtor estimated).

Do yourself a favor and stay in that job for a while, it will make it easier for you to qualify for loans.

After understanding my position a little better, does your recommendation stay the same?

Exactly, the county site likely shows the exemption amount, just calculate it out.....Assuming the total Value stays the same.

But as somebody in the industry who understands that every state has different rules regarding lien priority and little surprises that only local knowledge would be privy to...