I try to tell him everything that's essential and he was very involved in choosing the house; even spent his weekends while I was working pouring over the listings the realtor sent us.

If they can't provide the lease, give them a notice that advise them that you will they would have to apply to rent the property again which gives you the opportunity to choose whom ever you want to live there. 

If you don't like rain, choose Denver.  

If you choose to  replace with vinyl that costs you less than the remaining value of the carpet, you're still entitled to the carpet cost.

Sellers and selling agents look for two main things when choosing an offer: Who has the strongest offer (not necessarily the highest) and who is most likely to close easily and with the least amount of hassle along the way. 

When there is not target to hit, like a mutually agreed price, the appraisers and lenders can choose to be conservative.  

Is that based on your expertise in that area or did you choose that area because you think it's the only place to make money?

I don't understand why some investors even choose to own one SFR at a time instead of waiting and investing in a multifamily.

I choose a more conservative strategy, the equity in my home is an 'off limit' capital

If someone has to choose between no work and breaking an immigration restriction, those that really want to work are likely to look for a way to circumvent the restriction.