Jud:

Here is my advice taken from two real world experiences:

Seven years ago, I got the cruising bug and convinced (remember that word) my wife to quit our jobs, sell the house, sell and give away a lot of our junk and put the rest in storage. We did and bought a world class cruising boat with all of the stuff: A/C, genset, etc.

Within 6 months we sold the boat. Why? Mostly because my wife didn't have a base to go back to if she needed to. Women need nests and a boat isn't a nest. Would a home that is in long term rental suffice? I don't know, but it would be a lot better than nothing.

So after selling the boat we bought a condo and within 6 months had purchased another (used but just as capable) cruising boat and spent the next 1-1/2 years cruisng it. No problems with my wife. She says that it was a lifetime experience that she has no regrets about.

If you do decide to rent your home, set it up with a property managment company or a very, very trusted and competent relative or friend to manage. Professional property management is not cheap and it will cost about 15% of your gross rental income. But they have done this before and know how to rent it, collect the rent and maintain your property. In two years of having my house managed I think I got only one call from them and that was to ask my preference on how to handle a maintenance item. Most issues are cut and dried and they take care of them. I certainly didn't need to call every two weeks to check up on it.

David