So, STR or Short Term Corporate Housing didn't pop into mind.But the hotels seemed to be full and that's an indicator that either it's a "layover" point for going to other places (our situation) or a destination in itself, for some reason.

Some advice for going about it would be to connect with a real estate professional in the area that you're considering that can give you insight as to where you can do short-term rentals legally as well as what areas are going to be able to provide to the returns that you're looking for. 

River Song - Smoky Mountain Falls

If you sale do the 2 years residence out of 5 to forgo $250k per spouse for capital gains, believe you can get another $250k for them.  

Look if they are closing the kind of deals you are looking for.

Look at your neighborhood and see what are other properties renting for?

The only piece that you would forgo is the rental history.

There may be added fees for going into foreclosure as well. 

While the non renewal process was done respectfully, both tenants apparently decided to forgo paying rent.

Fast forward and the "buy and hold" mantra is still a swan song to financial destitution.