These are very personal decisions.I can't tell you how many times I had a seller pay me to go in and redo kitchens and baths, and then get called back by the new buyer to redo the brand new custom work....just because of color.I would just put the house on the market and price it a little high, maybe $20k...?

So it needs to be balanced out and not by the same person.

If you can go to some in person, all the better, but even just looking up FB groups for investors in that area or even "real estate" in that area. 

I'll shoot you a PM you'd be a great person to work with 

With seller financing, the person selling the house lends you the money, and you pay them back directly.

So personal preference and your goals. 

I am currently not in the US and won't be able to see the house in person.

Even personally holding the discussions with the tenants potentially damages YOUR outcome.Landlord Representation in SF

Unnamed person may not be held legally or financially liable for damages and/or unpaid rent in landlord/tenant court.

Yes, I'm mostly purchasing under my personal name.