I am coming into some properties here shortly.

It will take a while (not a short time) to change from seller market to buyer market.  

Do you know of any short-term or system that is portable if new owner does not want to assume a contract.  

In the event that is true then I don't see how it differs from just buying at auction. but the due diligence period is usually very short they don't want you shopping tier deal around or wholesale a wholesale deal.

So the short of it, be very careful.  

It will probably be a year anyway by the time you get engaged and then plan a wedding before you actually tie the knot and begin living together.Wait for him to propose and then plan a wedding for next fall or even if you get married earlier, it would only be a short time for him to have long commute.I'd say worry about where to live and commute times once engaged.

When it was replaced with a circuit breaker panel that actually worked, my house started tripping breakers and I found several shorts that cost about $700 to have corrected.

Long story short a "simple and short" contract ended up anything but. 

Since he is short on time he is going this route for a few months until he has sufficient time to look around.

I have family and friends out there and they may also be interested in renting short & long term.