It has nothing to do with whether they care or not, it has to do with their investor guidelines or internal policies and procedures for short sales.

Now that I moved to another State, and can't go to my properties on a moment's notice, I see how easy it is to eventually lose my gains on capex if my PM doesn't stick to procedures, can't/won't go themselves to see important issues as they arise, and after they are fixed.

Inquire  what the local procedure is for abandoned property. 

Yes you are smart for finding a solution that works, just make sure you do not cross any discrimination or fair housing laws while doing that and make sure that is written down in your policy and procedure manual or it can come back on you at some point in the form of litigation.

Well Raging, the actual procedures and terms will be probably be different in your state, but in Texas its referred to as Third Party Financing (meaning you are getting a loan).

As stated above, you do indeed need to protect yourself by understanding the procedures of sale.  

No, you would find a surgeon that specializes in the procedure you need.

This has been the best procedure we have developed for so many reasons.

Start with a good PM and work backwards.. they will know the good areas an quality homes to purchase.... and will keep you  out of the poor areas. the others are just standard operating procedures in a RE transaction.. although we don't use attornies on the West coast for these small dollar transactions we use title co.

Now I want to know what the procedure is in getting rid of a property manager.