Hope this helps for now, and great to hear you are paying attention to your hard earned retirement funds with such care and discipline! 

When I learned about the situation, I knew I wanted to help preserve the family property and also create a solid investment for my future.

I worked with a realtor to help me find this one.

Quote from @Chandler Williams: Thank you for your response Jerryll, I really appreciate the help.

Feel free to reach out with any questions, happy to help!

I second what has been said about using a HELOC to help fund your purchase and rehab.

Does anyone have any ideas for some investing related side work or know of any investors that need some remote help with their business?

It can be a very good market, but the why behind your choice may help us give you better advice on how to move forward.Before realtors and property managers, you really need to meet other investors so you are making a good move by trying to do that here, but it would be better if you could do it in person.

Determine what type of property you want to buy - What Zip code, what condition homes, price range, etc.Contact 3-4 realtors that helped buyer agent buy the type of homes you are looking to buy.Then go with the 1 realtor that you connected with the most.

I've helped a lot of investors in your area, and I find that many of them end up purchasing rentals in the Central Valley for the very reason you mentioned.