A lot of really solid advice has been sent your way on this thread - I, too, moved from the west coast (San Diego) to Indianapolis to be able to afford property and make my dollars stretch further.Moving to the area is the best way to ensure you get to know the lay of the land as a new investor and it allows  you to learn quite a bit being more hands-on.

Doing so now ensures the housing affordability crisis the country was already grappling with before COVID-19 is not made worse by the pandemic.

Not a big deal you'll just need to add some additional self leveler to ensure the cracks are covered before you put down the flooring. 

Currently this is little more than a Sonos speaker integrated with my smart home system that ensures there’s some relaxing music playing for guests when they open the door after what is usually a long drive in.

If so, you can always follow up on random work orders every month or two and ensure repairs were made to the tenant's satisfaction. 

I calculate the holding costs into my entire BRRRR strategy to ensure that when I refinance, I get all my money back.

This will ensure the most protection. 

The problem is that it is quite difficult to ensure that something retains its separate character when you are married. 

It is important to recognize that you can have the best property in the best market, but if you don't have the right team to ensure the long term performance of that property, it likely will not be a successful investment.  

Got it that makes sense want the property to attract buyers from the  moment they pull up.I like that quote about GC's and your advice makes sense of how to be a better employer / project manager and ensuring we stay on tract.