This is what I think about every time I find a new thread here on BP from a long-distance owner whining about how some third-party property manager ripped them off from across the country...the long-distance owner was just too stupid or naive to figure out how nasty the nature of property management is and accept it as part of the cost of doing business.I think most property managers fail because they're not slimy and manipulative enough, or they're stupid about being slimy and manipulative.

I'm trying to figure what the path to profit in paying 83% of ARV for a property that needed major repairs was supposed to be.

Looking to follow the exact similar path to yours. 

People buy the land many sight unseen, many internet sales, many out of state or even country because the land is so cheap and remarkably beautiful in the painted desert but so remote that only an artist like me wants to keep them all and have retreats for others too but I will sell some, upfront and disclosing....so when they realize or figure out it's not so romantic to them after all, unlike me, they stop paying taxes and let it go and the same lands get recycled over and over... 

Many land owners in the painted desert of Arizona are from other parts of the country and some from foreign countries, so how would I get a quit claim signed together with a notary? 

Well I guess IM not a smart guy either just a country guy who rather work in the garden then spend the day in the office.Alex

Welcome to the site and thank you for your service to our country.

LOL.. most investors probably would not have bought there because the returns would have looked to low compared to other markets in the country... but as you point out you mitigate risk with the proper property to start.Much like what happened in the Portland market.. not a hot bed for most investors to buy rentals other than savvy locals or CA folks. 

- Are there overhead lines in the path of travel?

As such, there are many different paths of due diligence relating to the same.