However, the gangs that used to dominate “la frontera” (the border) have weakened considerably.

To know that you still love what you do even when everything (temporarily) feels like it is falling apart is refreshing and I hope I feel the same way 10 years from now once I have established myself.

I found the following:Idle PropertyContinue to claim a deduction for depreciation on property used in your rental activity even if it is temporarily idle (not in use).

@John Smith, 1031, death, a charitable remainder trust, possibly a 721 upreit (although that only acts like a 1031 and defers temporarily),  and possibly a sale and a purchase in the same year where you cost segregate the purchase and take whatever bonus depreciation is available (again though a weak substitute for the 1031 exchange).  

If you want to do more of a shorter stay to enjoy more revenue, I'd suggest MTR through insurance agencies looking to place people temporarily while their damaged home is being fixed.

I could hire a property manager and/or temporarily relocate.

After I sell my home, where should I temporarily keep the large amount of money (>$500k) until I buy the next home?

For the location, it is great that you are willing to give up our urban lifestyle temporarily.

I will give you some of my highlights.People in Texas complain about their property taxes at 3% ours are about 4.5%.New York in general and Monroe county specifically are very tenant friendly.Depending  on the town, the code inspectors/police can be quite anal.Since Covid and the 2020 protests we’ve seen an increase in crime in the city and therefore weakening demand in the city proper and increasing demand for the suburbs.Industry is well diversified—University of Rochester (medicine) L3Harris (defense) xerox (IT) and paychex (software/hr)) and relatively recession proof.Population growth is low and therefore appreciation (except the past 4 years) has been moderate as well.There aren’t many builders in the area so supply is relatively fixed.Home (and rent) prices are both affordable with homes typically being less than 1/3 median household income and rent being similarly affordable.For single family homes at 8% rent will cover piti with about 100$ to spare in the A areas.

I am doubtful of the claim for many reasons not relevant to my question below.The tenant gave me the option of having a professional remediate the mold while he moved out temporarily.