Perhaps you can arrange for a realtor or friend to meet the contractor at the property and not even mention you're out of the country?

If they don't like the new arrangements they are free to leave.

I would advise against any other arrangement.

If your agent was acting under this sort of arrangement he absolutely failed you as his only job is to look out for you.It could be interesting as now both the seller and the agent as well as the broker are aware of the moisture in the basement and all have an ethical duty (and I would find out if its a legal duty) to disclose the moisture.  

I don't think that activity resembles anything like an agent.  

Arrange a fire and safety inspection now to determine the cause of the pests.

Did my CMA a few hours later, realized the property was way overpriced and if I was going to make a cash offer to wholesale it, that offer would come in about 56k below what he is asking, and even a more creative arrangement wouldn't work because I still don't think he'd go low enough (at this point).

It is an out of state sale, buyer has not arranged transportation.

These two separate closings if arranged well can happen within minutes of each other at the same title company without your seller meeting or knowing about your buyer and none of them will really know how much you are making.I am sure you can find a lot of discussion threads (heated discussions dare I say) on these 2 methods here on BP to read up on.

And no, we only have 1SFR rental there in RC, our tenant arranges and pays for the all repairs herself (she lets us know tho).