Hey @Karolina PowellWhen you are doing a handful like this, and to be clear I am 1,000% biased, but it might be good to utilize a broker.

Thanks Drew,Is it common to run into issues with the probate process?

So, if you didn't pay your municipal utility bill and the municipality slaps a lien on the property the buyers could come back and hold you responsible for that.

You could certainly ask them although I would note, they'd almost certainly never figure out you were gone especially if the mail, utilities, etc. were all in your name and you were in fact there half the year or so. 

Is it a way utilize some tax deductions? 

There is a common misconception about deleading cost and how it can be done.It varies from situation to situation, it could be as simply as covering hazardous element with some plywood or metal, or it could be some replacement doors/windows and making paint intact.

Common complaints I hear is timeliness of communication, but it doesn't seem to be from everyone.

My biggest STR home run was purchasing a property in a vacation market before STRs were common.

One common advice I have noticed is purchasing a duplex or multi family home in your area or at least 30 miles within proximity.

Here in TX the soil is mostly clay, and it shrinks and expands with humidity level (thus the need to "water the foundations" as a measure to avoid foundation cracking), so foundation problems are a common occurrence.