I used to live in Tokyo for 6 years and would like to find a reason to go back more regularly but let me know if you want to connect!

There are two reasons this is a bad idea.Investing with an SDIRA (assuming it is not a Roth) will often result in paying significantly more taxes. 

The only reason he did it was because it led to additional work.

They're hiring PMs for a reason and they fire them for not maximizing cash flow.  

The second reason is that there's no appreciation value.

Additionally, any existing restrictions at the town level (there are MANY) will be abolished, unless deemed "reasonable" by the state.

Even though I can think of a few reasons why you would say that I'm curious to hear what your reasons are - please share.  

If they are leaving mid-Feb and willing to pay 6 weeks' rent to break the lease, that is reasonable. 

Bad contractors are one of the main reasons why first time investors never do a second deal.

Ask questions to find out about their reasons for selling, desired next steps (i.e. relocation, 1031 exchange, etc.), and anything else that is important to them.Ask follow-up questions to dig deeper and learn more (without being too intrusive) then jot down any relevant notes so that you can reference them down the line during your follow-up calls.