If you engage with Pad Split and you're out of state, you'll probably want to hire a PM as well.

I have done it successfully on my last 2 buildouts, maybe 3, but only because I was able to acquire the properties at a very low price and I did all the work in-house (myself and some hired hands on staff).

Here is my two cents: When hiring a contractor for substantial renovations, start by researching local licensed and insured contractors with solid reviews.

I would like to do the renovation work myself and hire skilled tradespeople when needed. 

Thanks to COVID, for a couple of years, you can actually make enough money to be cash flow positive even if you hire a property manager AND have mortgage payments. 

It is important that you hire professionals who have experience working with foreign investors.

I wonder if there is a way to web scrape for when a new realtor is hired or passed exams in the area so that I could hit them up immediately.  

There is typically one or more heir that feel he or she deserves more then all the other heirs because the took care of auntie or uncle and  hires an attorney to contest the probate.  

I am currently living out of state so I have hired a property management company to handle this task, however, my home is still sitting vacant with very few prospective tenants.

You can make minor adjustments based on the type of appliances (dishwasher, clothes washer and dryer, air conditioning, etc.) and the size of the rental.