And it depends on what you do next - rebuild or sell as is or some other plan. 

You'll need either a POA or schedule an appointment at the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate for document signing - and you need to plan this well in advance!

I was also planning to work for a property managing firm to learn the ropes of the state and local codes while continuing to invest.

Do you plan on renting out your current house or house hacking it? 

I think this calls for another patented day of Mike's Research Plan.

What did they say is the plan?

Your situation is so difficult, and the best plan is to get financing before we need it. 

You likely don't have the net worth, proper LLC management or proper separation of personal interests to make this an effective approach. there numerous BP threads you can search to get more insights. tldr - keep under personal name and get a good umbrella plan. 

My initial plan had been to do something like Rent-to-Retirement or REI Nation- assuming that I'd be leaving money on the table to pay for their expertise, but hoping that I would learn through the process and develop the confidence to strike out on my own later. 

There's supposedly a large medical center being planned, which will also need convenient housing.