None of these methods are foolproof, but if you go this route you are aiming to make it more trouble than it's worth.Eyes on the unit: hire security to patrol the house; put up monitored cameras; put up cameras with motion-detection alerting; ask the neighbors to watch; station a guard dog at the unit (not recommended). 

I've seen sites with minor leaking etc that could still meet standards if they install monitoring wells and pump the contaminated water out for cleaning and then discharge.

Unfortunately, I can't go up and look at the post for the number because of this awful BP interface/website).I wind up duplicating the tab and dragging to another monitor.

Statistically, out-of-area investors have fared poorly, due to not being able to monitor this property (as well as often overpaying), thus this policy by local banks these days (major change from the heady 2004-2006 period).Oddly enough, you'll do better here with a conventional (Fannie/Freddie) loan.

If there are no recent sales in an area (but lots of listings/actives), I would hesitate to purchase in that area with the intent to flip...the likelihood is that there just aren't a lot of buyers in that area.I have a few areas like that where I invest...I monitor the activity, but until/unless it changes, I won't be buying in those areas.

These are just my observations from being in the service and monitoring things for years, example being my primary where the prior owner had moved on to another base and sold it to me for a profit but 40k under the appraisal I got from the home... most times military people cannot float two mortgages or even a rent/base housing at the follow on assignment, they have to get out of the mortgage.

tenants pay electric, landlord pays heat (used $4,500 gallons last year) -- there are 2 efficiencies and a 1 bedroom and four 2 br, so changing over to LP monitors over time at 1200-1500 per unit will change the heating cost.

There are reputable agencies that some of these VAs work through that perform background checks, monitor their work and give access codes to only the individuals who need to be privy to certain information.

Although you have the flexibility to pay more if you choose on the 30 year mortgage, you will be paying a higher interest rate, and many people are not disciplined enough with their money to make the extra payments, so the 15 year can help lock you in to paying off your mortgage early and saving on the reoccurring interest charges up front.

I currently live in Phoenix, so will have a hard time monitoring this project, so any and all help is appreciated!