I'm already using RentRedi to screen tenants, receive rent, deliver messages, but I wanted to know if anyone had any suggestions on either a software or virtual assistant type platform that helps them automate maintenance requests...

I'm actually keeping an eye on some spots east of the gigafactory; there's a lot of buzz about potential there.Would love to swap insights and maybe grab a coffee (even if virtual) to chat more about how we can navigate and capitalize on these changes.

If not, you might consider having a professional tour and/or Matterport 3D virtual tour.

They accept out of state investors as well, as there are virtual meetings to attend. 

“The availability of affordable housing in Phoenix has plummeted very quickly and very dramatically,” said Maxine Becker, an attorney at the Wildfire Community Action Agency, a group that advocates for low-income residents of Arizona.Evictions are seen in virtually every community, from residents in their early 20s to retirees.

And even though virtually every sponsor agreement allows me to share investment information with others who might be advising me on it (especially when club members are bound by an NDA), I still ask the sponsor if I can share it, because it's a test.

I am in the works of creating systematized courses for VAs designed to make the onboarding process easier for when I bring them onto my team. Some of the areas include: general RE knowledge, cold calling, lead generat...

It really helps to have someone local walk the property and neighborhood, but if that's not feasible for you yet I would at least "walk" the neighborhood virtually through Google Maps.Lastly, I would join a Facebook group of investors and landlords in that specific neighborhood.

this can achieve great return but capital Outlay is prohibitive for most (virtually everyone). 

Consider local vs. out-of-state investing, virtual management, and resources like books like "The Book on Rental Property Investing" and "House Hacking" by Craig Curelop.