@Chaim F. seems like a tight squeeze though certainly doable.  

Unsure how quickly contractors could rehab the place without knowing the full extent of the damages, but taking how small the house is into account it should be doable in 3-4 months (assuming the contractors are reliable, of course.)This is all still very hypothetical because I have yet to track down the nephew again so I don't even know if he'd be willing to sell for cheap.

If flying over is not an option for you,, I think you have no choice but to wait the 6 months out and get yourself ready with all the peripherals - solidify your plan of action and market,  reach out to potential partners and suppliers, research financing options, insurance, management etc etc- so when you do finally get there- you can hit the ground running.The other option that I am now  getting more involved in slowly - is online  crowdfunding - A lot less hands on- but far more doable long distance.All the best

Focus on something more doable.

The numbers in this area can be tough and do take some work, but are very doable.

Anyone with a good Irish name like yours must be OK... lol   Welcome to BP, I like your goals, ambitious but doable. 

Can count on buyer to give me anything IF it was doable in time.

@Alex Shipp While the day to day management is probably doable, it would be hard to show the property if you are gone.  

Finding properties that perform at a 9-10 Cap is totally doable.

We've got to be honest about what's do-able for us at this age under these circumstances.