As an aspiring out-of-state investor, I'm unable to physically drive around and dig into the neighborhoods. 

As I am on the other side of the country, I would plan to hire a property manager to handle anything that requires physical presence (e.g., maintenance, handing over keys, screening tenants, showing the property, etc.).

This list was then prioritized after physically visiting each area.Our agent helped us contact the seller and we offered $5K over the asking price.

The instructions are right on the package.Its good physical work.

Hey Teresa,Other than actually physically checking the property/area out I like to do the following two things to check for the potential of a subject property as far as "safety" goes:1) Google Maps street view. 

Beyond that I wasn't sure what else to consider, aside from will this physically work as a house hack.

My current property manager will not manage a property without a physical address.

Physical stamps and handwritten addresses can considerably increase your open rate, but they are also much more labor intensive than other methods.The best way to learn is by doing!

Or just a physical presence to help with a few things?

I am not sure of any liability as I do not believe the construction will not interfere with the tenants physically.