I have partnered with a number of production builders that are starting to do what you mentioned.  

As other suggested the places you mention above are a broad spectrum, so I would first take a look at / underwrite 10-15 properties in each area.

I notice you mention updated wiring and plumbing. 

Challenges have been mentioned above in the description Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

As mentioned, you have no say in things, so your ability to affect change is limited. 

Speak to your attorney but the lease is most likely invalid because there was nothing exchanged. as mentioned i typically either get deposit and security at signing or have language in lease the lease is not valid until that term is met.I would send a lettter noting we have not heard from you and are canceling the agreement.

This is a for long-term rental, not airbnb/short-term rental situation.

We don’t know any PMCs to recommend in the area mentioned, but since selecting the wrong PMC is usually more harmful than selecting a bad tenant, you might want to read our series about “How to Screen a PMC Better than a Tenant”:https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/3094/91877-how-to-screen-a-pmc-better-than-a-tenant-part-1-services-and-processesWe recommend you get management contracts from several PMCs and compare the services they cover and, more importantly, what they each DO NOT cover.

As I mentioned previously to Hattie, I want to see what is realistic given my circumstances and what things to focus on at this point in my journey.  

Everyone has mentioned the enemy method and it is great.