What is the standard process from start to finish so we can eliminate as much risk as possible?

It is 10000% possible.

If you die while holding the property, it gets a stepped up value and all the gain is tax free.If rental the taxes can be deferred via a 1031 and if you die while holding it, it gets the stepped up bases with gain forgiven.Hopefully the numbers provide some example of possibilities. 

@Stephanie SelbyRecommend exploring as many sources as possible to get referrals AND cross-reference them to get as much accurate information as possible.Check out NARPM.com, BP’s Property Manager Finder (BiggerPockets: The Real Estate Investing Social Network), etc.Also, encourage you to learn from the mistakes of others - by reading posts here on BiggerPockets about owners not having their expectations met by their current Property Management Company.

I would like to get some additional ideals on how to possibly go about this though.  

Be sure to calculate the impact this might have on your ROI.Fees: Be prepared for additional fees, such as origination fees, appraisal fees, and possible prepayment penalties.Things to Consider:Loan Terms: Understand the interest rate, the loan term, and any repayment penalties.

But there are so many possible places to look, it gets overwhelming. 

So while some opportunities show good potential always take into consideration the downside possibilities.

It's possible that your tenants are using something like that and then bringing the stuff down to dry it.

BiggerPockets also has a calculator to analyze deals, and I highly recommend you start this as soon as possible, even if you are not ready to buy.