When I was looking for a new place a few months ago we ran across this scam twice. Usually they didnt send that long of an email, just, ‘ I moved to africa to help with (charity, ususally religious) and want someone to take care of my place until I get back. I am offering reduced rent so I can find someone I trust.” My favorite of the two was that they then sent us pics in the email of a house that was obviuosly not in that neighborhood at all.
Needless to say we didnt write back.