Trying to understand how risk is limited in the sense of a property owner not wanting to sell that you need to complete a project/assemblage.That is a loaded question and the best thing to do is work with a good land use attorney and consultant to help you through the process.

I travel often and am worried in case of small violations (appliances left outside, grass not mowed by tenants etc) that I won’t be able to notify management quickly enough to fix the issue.

Know what the cost are and get that in a deposit.3) Don't become involved with the tenants life, this is business.I suggest on your first outing you look at renting out camper / travel trailer spots. 

If you were in my shoes, how would you use the abundance of time and travel perks to further your own investing progress and/or provide value to a more experienced investor you hope to learn from? 

Again, I'm not an attorney, I'm just speculating based on my opinion, so consult with your legal counsel.

If you go the 203k route, you'd want to get a 203k consultant in there to do a feasibility study on what the property needs, and about what it costs.

Consult a real estate attorney to advise you how to structure a purchase "subject to" the existing financing.

For rentals it's a different story and I would suggest you to consult with your bank and also a few hard money lenders if you are looking at distressed properties that need work.

They're free consultations so it's worth spending some time on this.

I am a traveler, and a full time student, so the ideal position would be something remote.