Now that you mentioned this, I looked into it and, at a glance, they offer "Full-Service Maintenance Coordination", which offers the phone answering, troubleshooting, etc.

Eats up time and money getting rid of a bad tenant (not to mention possible property damage). 

I told them to do the same thing you are doing just stash it away and wait.

You can initiate an auction or wait for ones to pop up that have been initiated by others.

I was unaware of the tax-paying requirement you mentioned for adverse possession.

It's also really cold outside as well, which he mentioned that "we don't want anyone dying of exposure". 

I agree with Erik, although their are some investors out there that will help fund the down payment/entry fees that you mention, they typically are friends and family that trust you and believe in you.

You mention buying a home or condo.

Wait until the move-out date and confirm she's gone, then handle turnover like normal.

If you're not set on a specific market, it's worth waiting until you choose, as forming the LLC in your target state can simplify compliance, property registration, and taxes.