If you are not comfortable investing in markets you don't know, and are far enough away that it would be difficult to get back and forth in a pinch, physical real estate may not be the investment for you right now.

With a pinch of background. 

"Your numbers" don't matter, the market does, so find a way to make that work so you make a market-rate return that is acceptable.Lastly, don't pinch pennies by cutting out professionals like a GC, RE Broker, and lender thinking you can do all that yourself and that you are smarter than those who do this every day professionally.

After doing some research it looked as if I have a down spout that may be going to his land that was pinched.

They may be able to help you for a small fee if you are in a pinch.  

Very strange and kind of in a pinch trying to get this project done.

I have a fairly decent residential construction background being a licensed civil engineer so I knew this could be handled more economically but the buyers did not want to consider any other alternatives and I was financially pinched to sell quickly since I was personally balancing 2 other houses.As far as them knowing who completed the work, they didn't know.

Even if it just carries itself, Id be pleased.Hi Matthew, all of this is just my opinion so take it with a pinch of salt but if I was in your position this is what I would be thinking/doing.

How can I ensure they’re doing what needs to be done and not pinching pennies to appease me or a future buyer?

A great investment for the investor who purchased it and the seller was able to relocate to somewhere in a pinch where there was warmer weather!