That type of property you are just spinning wheels and wasting time.

And/or hire local mentors when you are ready... but read everything you can get your hands on first so you aren't wasting your $$ on introductory stuff that's in every Real Estate Investing Book 101. 

Expect you will get cheated somewhere down the line, but try to minimize as much as you can.

You can use a custodial account or if you wish to have more control special purpose LLC can be utilized to gain checkbook control and minimize custodian fees and eliminate their involvement in the investment. 

My advice is not to waste your money on testing clean with bleach water and buy a mildew mold suppressant from hardware store it's a chemical you put in a pump up sprayer keeps mold from coming back if on a painted surface get a fungicide paint additive and repaint area.

Not just another company with generic photos and minimal information other than "CONTACT US, WE'LL BUY YOUR HOUSE" solicitations.

You'll need to pay some minimal costs for these if the deal falls through though.

I like your approach.Personally I don't like wasting my time depositing checks, so I don't accept them or cash.  

I think there are some great opportunities to automate most of the maintenance requests through digital tools (submission forms) that would minimize relentless phone calls.

If you can do basic wiring and minimal carpentry, it's a breeze.