I check the SEC, FINRA, ratings websites for inside information on the principals in the company.

I think broader consumer taste is killing malls, which includes online shopping, but also even where people are choosing to live and how they are spending their time/money, more broadly.I worked for a company that bought a failing mall back in 2012 (online shopping was "killing retail" then too), redeveloped most of it into more open air power center and sold.  

Hire a company/person that is solely a QI like @Dave Foster they do it every day and will keep you legal and on track. 

Maybe it has more to do with the software than the company (although their customer service sucks), in which case you might run into the same issues with other emulators, but it has just been constant headaches.

That's how I started, with a company called Flip More Deals (currently called the Growth Collective) they were very hands on and helped me through the entire process and connected me with a lender and gap funder, very hands on you should check them out.

If its a volunteer fire company you may be able to donate the house to them for the purpose of training and get a tax deduction .

If you are going to have a company manage your property, I would recommend you find someone that is local. 

I'm an investor and property manager company owner. 

@Mark DiPietro how about his company, The Lion Group Int?

I'm a CT based investor, flipper and property management company owner.