Do not turn your back or a keep a blind eye to what they are doing.This isn't legal advice for anyone but just things to look out for.       

If you dont have a construction background you will find that fixing a house is not as easy as they make it out to be on TV and that every contractor out there will rob you blind if you dont know what stuff should cost.I've always had a pretty hands off management style so like to have "interests aligned" with the people working for me. 

But don't be blind to only the opportunities that you'd only consider living, you might miss a great investment.- Phil

Eventually I will have a portfolio of properties that I can leverage to give my tech companies talent acquisition and retention teeth for employees.I just found out today that the contractor who was going to get my house ready for a tenant is going to move to another city to care for his dad who is legally blind. 

I have a family so it isn't something I plan on doing blindly or unprepared.

I understand that there will always be risk (as with any investment) and you need to put in money to make money, but I'm just trying to do my due diligence and make sure I'm making the best decisions without letting my excitement blind me.All that said, what would be the best course of action?

I personally love it for "blind" transactions, where you aren't really negotiating face to face with someone.

Okay,  LOL.All these investor making comments and then Max comes along with the blinding flash of the obvious, good job @Max Tanenbaum, that's thinking out of the box!

Really, I am thinking about just blindly sending letters to the owners of some properties that are in disrepair and trying to get them to call me.

 * New ceramic tile throughout downstairs, front and back landscaping, interior paint, granite countertops, new HVAC, new blinds, built in entertainment center.