Figure out what it would cost to do full remediation of mold and water issues including testing plumbing, repairing any issues with plumbing, ripping out drywall and flooring and replacing as necessary, etc. 

The precise remedies available will depend on your lease and the contract law governing it.Since you are remote, you will need to find a property manager or someone local to be your boots on the ground through the drama which may ensue. 

behind on their payments and a short-sale is usually the remedy-of-choice.

Agreed, usually the EM is the contractual remedy for Buyer default.  

Much of this was spurned by a recent call from the HOA of one rental highlighting multiple violations (car on jacks and another car inoperable) that need to be remedied.

I am looking for a remedy that can eliminate all potential unseen termite activity as well and I believe tenting is the most effective way of doing so.

I have taken business management classes as well as mold remediation classes and energy star rater training.

My SDIRA is one of the biggest but with the worst possible WEB site that led to financial losses and even an identity theft (which though remedied, left me angry.)

This is often used to clean statues and decks, but is also used in professional mold remediation.

Your best plan is to wait it out unless you have the specific skills to close escrow subject to the IRS lien and use your knowledge to remedy or compromise post closing.