My recommendation is to find a broker that is familiar with the analysis of small multifamily properties and help them identify what you're looking for and set some "mile stones".

Pick people you like it will make working with them more enjoyable. 3.Form a scope of work (the road map) for the contractor including: milestones, deadlines, and payment schedule.

Part of that analysis should include a critical path to determine the the time, milestones and cost associated with proving the project "on paper".

In the event they're out of your property prior to that milestone you can sue them for any rent and damage owed (in small claims court) and if they don't pay up, get a lien against them. 

And then write out the deliverable milestones you will need to reach, with a time deadline, in order to reach your big goals.

To your points:- This will definitely be a long distance project, I’ll be driving down for big milestones (inspection, appraisal, begin of work, etc.)- As for the reno, I was going to get a definitive “to-do” list from the inspector/appraiser.

And milestones they need to meet before I pay them, etc..

In traditional build, there are usually 6-10 withdrawals after certain milestones are met during construction.

Most firms don't give precisely defined turnaround or milestone dates. 

If there are specific milestones, i.e. framing or drywall, including tape and mud, that is fine as long as it is broken out specifically.