I offered a price based on repair costs and a sale price they could get if they fixed it up (retail). 

We made an aggressive offer quickly.

If so, offer that price and if they doesn't like it let them be someone else's problem.

However the owner comes from corporate world and they started out doing deep dives into markets and moving Hedgefund type portfolios between large investors.. they then decided to offer there service to smaller turnkey type and one offs..

That experience taught me the importance of leaning on local expertise, even if it feels like an unnecessary expense at first.One strategy I’ve seen work occasionally is offering the tenant a “cash for keys” deal, where you pay them a small amount to vacate voluntarily.

They don't all offer the same servicers (default management, document services, tracking of taxes and insurance, escrows, etc.), but I am with you that communication and competency are key.

So I offered to pay for the flight, if they returned a clean and empty house.

A single property is simpler to manage, carries lower financial risk, and offers streamlined tax reporting but may generate taxable income sooner.

I'll offer some free help and advice for anyone that wants to reach out.

While podcasts, books, seminars, and websites offer general knowledge, you'll buy a specific property in a specific location, subject to local rules and regulations.