Someone recommended a limited durable power of attorney to speak with the "tenants".

It cost me 4900 each, not including the electrical wiring.

I wouldn't kill most or all of my purchasing power trying to get my LLC to be a stand-alone borrower some day down the line.  

A local real estate attorney said we could open a bank account with power of attorney that has been notarized (appostile, maybe?)

I currently work as an entry-level Electrical Engineer at a manufacturing plant in Columbia, SC.

Landlord/owner of record is almost Always responsible for water...if the tenant doesn't pay, the landlord must pay, no matter who's name it is in (as opposed to other utilities like electric).

The following is a partial list of things that wear out or become outdated over time and eventually need to be replaced for every property:-Roof-Siding-Hot water tank-Furnace-A/C system-Electrical system-Plumbing system (inside)-Sewer service line-Water service line-Any concrete exposed to the elements (sidewalks/porches)-WindowsIf you calculate the cost of replacing each of those items and divide them by the expected useful life, then sum that up, you'll come up with a monthly amount that you can expect to spend on capex over the long term.

The home has had several updates: 2 kitchens, 1 bathroom, electric, HVAC, cosmetic.

how are the plumbing, electrical and HVAC?  

Call the big box apartment complexes to see what the really high power folks are doing.