if you have 50k to invest each year, i'd recommend accumulating 2-4 unit multi's and adding as you are able until you have assembled a number of units (try to keep them together if you are able, easier to sell as a block and less running around for you). if you need capital to move into something bigger, sell them and if you are able, 1031 into something bigger.

I will assemble a list, find contractors and coordinate it with the PM.

I used to have my contractors or a handy man assemble everything.

I've done this by being strict on my underwriting, only working in areas where I can assemble a boots on ground team to augment my weaknesses from being abroad.

Try to assemble whatever you can in the meantime to do an analysis, rents, expenses, etc.A seller should always have financials ready when he is marketing his property for sale.  

We’re also in the process of assembling a small crew.

Anicidotal story, but various home owners are holding out on properties in Detroit as the olympia development company tries to assemble a contiguous parcel for a new detroit red wings arena.

The assembly is easy (once you have done 1 or 2 cabinets).

But it sounds like you'd still be hiring people, assembling a team, meaning you'd end up paying people to take care of all the same things (a realtor, a contractor, a PM, so not actually DIY) but would just have more moving parts. 

The first is to self-assemble a team of real estate agent, contractor, property manager (I would not recommend self-managing your first investments at a distance) etc.