Strictly email or phone call or a combination of both?

There is no reason to be absorbed in spread sheets, analysis or pro-forma statements that complicate a simple task,  accounting functions that yield little or no benefit are a waste of time, it can cost you more than the benefits.

Drive a functional beater to your first closing with pride.

The combined loan to value is probably about 80% so there is equity here.  

This might be a new job to learn - I'm sure the search function here can bring some good wisdom that speaks to managing remotely. 

I also like to keep an eye on affordability as a key metric since it combines incomes, prices, and interest rates all into one ... not that I compare affordability of SF to KC, because that is apples and oranges, but rather SF 2017 affordability vs SF 2006 affordability for example.

I feel as though I may want to consider doing the first couple properties as flips and then combine flips and rentals.  

The following link has a good example of what I mean: https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2015/03/04/how-to-turn-around-tenant-lawsuit-in-single-conversation/ I’ve found that acting in such manner---combined with careful screening---will lead you to tenants that can come to you about their problems before things get out of hand.

Class B buildings should generally not be functionally obsolete and should be well maintained.Class C The lowest classification of building and space is Class C.

I have seen many of my clients invest in Pittsburgh PA because of the affordable housing it offers combined with a solid return on investment.