You do not have to be physically present.Two options:1)Give someone, preferably an attorney, a Power Of Attorney specific to this deal.2) Have the closing documents you need to sign fedexed to you, take them to an American Consulate, have them notarized, fedex them back..  

Like "all materials on the property whether affixed or not are part of the property and as such stay with the property. including but not limited to refrigerator, lumber, sheetrock, wire, plumbing, insulation, paint supplies, etc etc: So whatever the agreement says is what to expect.

For a different perspective, read the signed and notarized Owners Affidavit in the closing package.

Will obtain Power of Artorney asap.Is it as simple as filling it out and notarizing, or does an attorney have to be involved?

In a family agreement notarized with all 3 parties in the event of death or severe illness I get to buy out my sister at fair market value.

I have a tenant with first, last and security deposit on hand and is willing to get her mother to sign a notarized statement that she provides for her daughter and helps with her bills that is the good news the bad news is her income is low as compared to the rent, basically her income is about the same as the rent.

But that may not be what the agent is suggesting.Not sure which side of the transaction OP is on but, if the selling side, anything that needs to be executed and notarized can be pre-signed and held in escrow by the title company.

Also, if we decide to do the purchase agreement, would it be an issue if we notarize it, but don't record it?

There should be no need to have you appear in court if the statement is notarized.

@Mikaeel Abdulwakil,  Get a Notarized "Assignment of Interest" from the daughter or a Quit Claim Deed granting all of her interest, if any, to you, or get both.