For example, “A lightbulb was out on the automated deck lighting and it took us a long time to figure out why it wasn’t working”.  

Now I’m not worried because o have automated online systems for rent collection, contractors and licensed repair professionals on speed dial, and I have some boots on the ground in the form of family who can lend their knowledge and keep an eye out for me.My first thought to this question is : if I’m worried that it may be too far ,then for me it may be too far.I could never do a flip that far away, IMO.

Can the owner in this case, deed equitable interest or some other legal instrument to allow myself to actually not only make repairs on the property but only pay the owner after the house is repaired and the house is actually sold?

Mainly, the systems implemented are fascinating (VA, automated offers, etc.)

The FNMA deed of trust (Section 22) has a blank before the % that gets filled in:Trustee shall apply the proceeds of the sale in the following order: (a) to all expenses of the sale, including, but not limited to, Trustee’s fees of ____________% of the gross sale price and reasonable attorneys’ fees; (b) to all sums secured by this Security Instrument; and (c) any excess to the person or persons legally entitled to it. 

You can automate rent and late fee charges every month and use it to track all the financials, including entering bills and printing checksThe mobile apps are convenient as well.

Also,  I'm interested in automation of processes.  

.% down of the purchase price and the rehab costsCan be used for primary residence with 1-4 units (could also be looked at as a disadvantage)  When using 2-4 unit property, projected income from other units can be used to qualify 6 months' worth of mortgage payments can be rolled into the renovation budget if the house is deemed uninhabitable by the HUD consultantCredit scores can go down to 600s (lender dependent) DTI can go to as high as automated underwriting system allows (typically 56.9%)Allows you to buy a property in any conditionCan use it to fix minor repairs all the way up to basically a full tear-downFHA 203k Disadvantages: Interest rates tend to be about .25-.5 higher than regular FHA loan Additional costs include HUD consultant fee, inspections, title updates, and supplemental origination fee (Cost of doing business, but this is built this into your numbers, so it's no big deal)Must use a licensed General Contractor for a full 203k or up to 3 specialized contractors on the limited 203k Must hold onto the property for 1 year and live in it. 

All AVMs (Automated Valuation Models) are programs that rely on the data you see on paper; age, sf, location, etc.

I love the convenience of getting automated MLS alerts from my agent when new properties are listed or prices change, etc., but I seem to have trouble communicating to my agent exactly what criteria I want sent to my inbox.