He had performed virtually no underwriting.  

Virtually everyone lives somewhere especially true for those that pay taxes (in CA property and income tax).  

sorry for typos. speaking into the Android keyboard leaves a lot to be desired

This was a poorly timed purchase at full retail so it likely is worse than virtually every other San Diego RE investor’s monthly appreciation. 

See if any of them will allow you to use their address as a virtual location on the Internet.

Also, when it comes to negotiating the rent: - Should I ask for a phone call or virtual meeting to discuss the price?

A lifelong friend and I are motivated to (virtually) meet and connect with those in REI working in the Pittsburgh area.I'm active duty military and living in California with two rental properties (one in Virginia Beach & one in Pittsburgh) and my close friend owns a single family in Baltimore.  

These loan types allow you to do up to 90% of the purchase price and 100% of the renovations financed as long as you meet experience, credit, and LTC/ LTARV requirements based on an appraisal or virtual inspection.

The reality is that you will not find that in the seller finance space, and even if you do, there will be virtually no discount. 

Even if you have a good framework, it's much harder to manage virtually and stay on track.