It also included replacing some damaged trim around the dormer windows, and some minor repairs to box gutters (box gutters are a physical part of the roof and soffit structure).So my quoted amounts might be replacing both your line 1 & 2 items. 

Additionally, I feel calling my contacts up on the weekly to discuss listings without being able to physically see the properties may exhaust the relationship.Have any of you faced this challenge, and if so, what techniques did you use to help overcome this?

If you have 2 months of vacancy (physical or economic) that is a 8% vacancy rate.  

If it is a contract for deed be careful on the state as you are physically buying the property and have transfer taxes etc.Once it is boarded, there is a boarding fee of around $40 then you pay anywhere from $15-$35/month for performing notes (Depends on escrow and if it is a fixed or adjustable note).

No one brings physical cash (fiat money) to a closing unless they have time to sit around counting it.Only time you need a money belt is at auctions.

The difference is in the structure of the physical property.

I soon realized that this arrangement will not work as I could not physically inspect the property and could only work on MLS properties since I relied on an agent to do all the hands-on work.

I guess it’s so new that probably very few have exercised this option

It was an amazingly humbling exercise that I would recommend to every investor, given we are at the top of Markets again in many markets. 

This allows you to have either a sheriff or constable arrest the tenant and physically bring them to court.