If you find an attractive deal, you should be able to pool capital and perhaps negotiate some 'sweat equity'!

The pic w the back of the front door showing 5 or 6 locks doesn't convey a good look of safe neighborhood or any attempt to make a door attractive.2.

Here's a strategy to try.Go to your local library (or their online portal). 

On the Lis Pendens for this house, there is a local real estate broker listed as a defendant alongside the homeowner.

I was hoping a local bank could help but they aren't very good at returning calls apparently to get free money from me haha. 

Since you won't be local- it may be worthwhile to use a property manager.

@Mark Albini Google some of the California projects I'm always seeing on the local news here, you'll see how elaborate they can be, The only ones I'm seeing get done with zoning changes are the ones that have some sort of Non-profit or charitable component.

Get to a local meetingTHIS is how you start :) Good luck 

I am looking for property management recommendations in the area, and would prefer local managers, but am keeping options open.

If you put the location in your post/bio you’re more likely to get local experts to weigh in.