I would like to tear down and rebuild the front house and rent it out I already confirmed with the city that the zoning is ok for the rebuild.

I usually recommend house hacking a 4 plex.

Hey James, I'm sure you've found a solution by now considering this post is 2 years old, but for future reference here is what I have found as far as software solutions for managing a handful of rehab projects at once.Construction/Rehabbing Specific PM Software vs Generic PM SoftwaresWhen choosing your software solutions you will need to decide if you prefer a house flipping software that is specifically built for managing a house flipping business or use a generic project management software.  

We used an REO broker to find bulk packages of foreclosed distressed houses for sale from banks.

Since they keep the loans in-house instead of selling them on the secondary market, they can tailor loan terms to meet your unique circumstances as an overseas borrower.If you have strong assets or savings, consider looking into asset-based loans or no-doc loans.

I say that but my goal for sfh rentals here in illinois was to get to 20 houses in 10 years and I ended up getting to 83 in 15 years (I've since sold half though so I don't own that many now). 

They identified a property for me and sent me a house in Akron, OH.

The records show the house last sold in Sept, 24 for 382K and was listed in Oct 24 for 416K and reduced to 406K in November.

They said they will send someone in 2 weeks.I checked around the house looking for water signs of leakage.

Quote from @Richard Ferraro: Quote from @Benjamin Aaker: If you are working with a Realtor (TM), they will have to follow the NAR rule to sign an agency agreement with a buyer before showing houses.