I have learned over the years that common sense is not common and some tenants need more supervision than others.  

In the 1980's Reagan closed down all the sanitariums(the places like mental hospitals, for non-criminals and non-violent) to save on budget and reduce deficits, blah, blah, blah, but unfortunately when other politicians(from both partys) later jacked up the same budgets and taxes and even increased spending far past the Reagan cuts, eliminating any savings from the cuts, nobody thought to replace the eliminated services for the truly needy, the ones that wouldn't be able to get an apartment or a job(or would be limited in their options) even with supervision and training in doing.The reason I get so angry at you and your comments is because your solution and perspective is constantly blaming and vilifying the competent and productive of our society.

I am wondering how do you normally manage/supervise fixes on foreclosed/fixer upper properties with contractors if not local to that area.

In my opinion, it's a business (like any other) and requires adequate in-person management and supervision by the owner to avoid getting surprised by numerous things that can cause losses.

Ryan,Normally the Receivership and Liquidation would be handled or at least supervised by the State Insurance dept. in your state. 

Usually owners of these smaller multis either self manage or give a tenant free rent to supervise/manage the property.

This way you have no issues leasing right away, the work is done under the supervision of the general contractor, and you get some cost savings on the items you're able to do yourself.- As far as the trades go, this may be a little more of a sticky issue.

PM company get paid monthly for maintenance calls supervision.

I've seen companies charge a 10% fee to 'supervise' even the most basic of repairs done to the property. 

Also, Is there any alternative to supervise the rehab or remodeling work as PM company charge a lot for that?