I hold a w-2 job currently and considering transitioning to holding some properties.

Great job for taking the leap.

My gut feeling and research is telling me the sellers did a poor job on the breaker panel and wiring.

I have seen these circumstances; people die, go out and buy a car, lose their job, etc… Just my own two cents, I’m not an attorney, just play one on TV

We have one property managers whose job is to be our eviction Laison across the whole portfolio.

As mentioned take a smaller cut to complete a deal if necessary.

Job and Talent Loss : The duration of recovery has and will continue to force migration.

Was last year abnormal or you think the normMy guess is you will spend a lot more than $200k on an attorney with benefits etc. but if it cuts down in expenses it definitely is something I would consider and even if it costs a little more, having control with having someone in house does reduce unknown costs and risks. 

It would be best to befriend a local contractor or even help one out on a job to see any differences from your past eight years doing it in another country.

Changing jobs!