If a person wants a different outcome, they usually do something different.

If a person has RCV or ACV policy makes a huge difference, than question of what coverage level people had and if they had policy add-on's that cover cost over-runs and all that fun stuff, not to mention contents. 

Will you potentially be more at peace if you sell and buy an investment property that you have never lived in personally?

@Dave Tasset I haven't personally invested with this company but have heard good things about then. 7e Investments, Chris posts frequently on BP.

instead, why not find a market 1-2 hours away where you can be hands-on / in-person?

A realtor doing high volume, you don't have to use one you can poll 3-5 agents see what they do to get you the comps and then pick that person to help you.

If you see work crews reaching out, ask the person in charge of securing housing where they go looking.

Personally, I've been in this niche since 2007.

When was the last time my coach/mentor/instructor personally closed a deal? 

I have personally invested in both turn-key and value-added properties.