I am new to the Richmond area so don't know the Counties well - any suggestions on areas to look to find properties with better deal economics? 

My intention is to establish positive communication with the current tenant while respecting their existing lease agreement, with no plans of requesting them to vacate.I would greatly appreciate any insights, suggestions, or advice you might have regarding reaching out to the tenant, drafting a letter, and managing this transition smoothly.Thank you in advance for your assistance.Best regards,

Any issues, suggestions, considerations or anything you want to discuss? 

An unrecorded "lien" is not a lien regardless of what someone in the government tells you.I suggested a few posts ago that the bill (not lien) in question may have been so old that is was off the radar of everyone involved with this property for years. 

I do suggest if you are looking at a vacation rental as an investment make sure you do an analysis on the area during the down season.

Your suggestions on the high pitch vs low pitch roofs was very helpful as well.

My suggestions are just that- Food for thought.Explain the situation to your insurance provider.

We as a firm have investors working with us who have rental properties all over the US big and small.Finding a real estate-focused tax professional and one who can help with advisory and grow with you would be my suggestion to focus your efforts on finding.

Make it clear that you have learning objectives, are eager to learn, and are prepared to act upon their suggestions.

I say this to say that if you choose to go the remote route, be sure to find a professional who can help you navigate these localities given that you're also a fellow Ohioan.I would suggest looking around on various professional posters here and in the business search to both see what they post as well as their profiles might match what you're looking for.