I'm closing on a vacation rental property approx 12 hours from my home and I'm interested in installing both a thermostat and keyless entry lock system which I can control remotely.  

Many of my guys and gals buy from them... its this idea that total beginners should start with wholesaling that just leads to a lot of wasted time and huge amount of folks flaming out before they ever started.. blowing through whatever liquidity they had on direct mail or sign or whatever only to never make a deal and return to whatever it is they do for a living.I have absolutely NP with those that buy and resell.. its those that are trying to assign and have no control over the deal don't understand the RE basics

Letting their inspector inspect it removes your control over the situation.

Im now prepping my computer bag with lease option contracts, purchase and sale agreements, joint venture agreements, and any other contract that I may or may not use in the future..

Having been relo'd a few years ago, my relo company exerted a lot of control over the entire process, which I was OK w/ since they took care of many details, and guaranteed a buyout of my house @ market value if not sold in 3 months.    

I totally agree that one transaction doesn't dictate whether a person knows how to succeed in investing, because so much could turn a winning investment into a loser and be out of the control of the investor.

6) Assuming all goes well and I gain control of the property, since I have gone to the property, reviewed it and found out through talking to the tenant while taking pictures that this is not a owner occupied.  

What happens if your partner gets sued for something that is totally outside of your control and they come after the property? 

@Aaron BurwickI have not but check to see if they offer checkbook control solo 401k or IRA as that is generally the least expensive route to go.

Remember you don't have to own a property to control it.