I'm currently living in the Northeast, but as an independent contractor I'm able to work remotely or schedule physical meetings with ample time to jump on a plane if necessary.

This exercise may enlighten you (and if you want to post your result, I would be interested but I am confident it will be over $1k/month because we buy semi regular, including some poorly timed such as 2004, and they have all appreciated over $1K/month (I believe our worse is $1.6k/month over the hold period)).  

The estimate is just that; nothing beats having someone physically looking at your home. 

I am physically, mentally, and financially ready to seize an opportunity when it comes, but my initial question for you would be: What are some initial steps I can take right now other than running my analysis on certain properties?

I don't blame Landlords for exercising due diligence when hiring a new property manager. 

Now their are times when you may want to provide for a child beyond your life, if they are mentally or physically impaired, but that is not what people are usually talking about. 

I am speaking from past experience- when I have made time to physically sit down with people who are "interested" in wholesaling, none have ever fully pursued it so essentially I realized it is not a good use of my time.

Even if LVP holds up physically, styles change over time. 

Another thing that has changed is the physical brick and mortar retail establishment.

I have a rental two unit building which has a main entrance door that tenants tend NOT to shut because the door opens either by key or someone physically opening it from inside which is a hassle for the the upstairs tenant.