I do because I am the owner of the property bearing financial responsibility.

@William SilvaRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a Class A property in Class D area, what quality of tenant will you get?

(Whether this makes financial sense is probably a discussion for another post) Should I insist on meeting prospective tenants face to face before agreeing to lease to them?

If it is schedule showings and transmit financial data and proffer the MLS commercial form contract then probably not.

He is indicating that they won't have any financial responsibility for the lease.

Real estate investing can be a great idea for several reasons:Potential for Appreciation: Over time, properties often increase in value, allowing investors to build wealth through appreciation.Passive Income: Rental properties can provide a steady stream of passive income, helping to cover expenses and generate cash flow.Tax Benefits: Real estate investors may benefit from various tax deductions, such as mortgage interest, property taxes, and depreciation.Inflation Hedge: Real estate tends to keep pace with or outpace inflation, making it a good hedge against rising costs.Leverage Opportunities: Investors can use financing to purchase properties, allowing them to control larger assets with less capital upfront.Portfolio Diversification: Real estate adds diversification to an investment portfolio, potentially reducing overall risk.Tangible Asset: Unlike stocks or bonds, real estate is a physical asset that you can see and manage, providing a sense of security.Control Over Investment: Investors can influence property value and income through renovations, management decisions, and property improvements.Building Equity: As you pay down a mortgage, you build equity in the property, which can be accessed later through refinancing or selling.Community Impact: Investing in real estate can contribute to community development and improvement, positively impacting neighborhoods.These factors make real estate investing an appealing option for many people looking to grow their wealth and secure their financial future.It really comes down to investing in a growing market, in a good neighborhood & building a great team to support you.

Show Your Financials: Provide documentation of your personal finances, including income, credit score, and any other properties you own.

How do I approach it in a financially smart way? 

However the financials that have thus far been provided are just a typed out PDF of gross rents and expenses. 

Having them each inherit a duplex is a powerful way to set them up for financial success while maintaining cash flow for your future retirement.Overall, your plan is ambitious but entirely achievable.