She supported me through school, and now that I'm stable in my career, I want to return the favor by helping her build a retirement nest egg.Her financial situation isn't ideal, with maybe only about $40K to her name and no significant assets.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

Partner with local Real Estate Agents:  Partner with agents that can help market the property to their network of buyers. 

They are not familiar with local ordinances related to managing your property.2.

You'd want to connect with a local broker on that front, but a few of them have programs based on the census-tract you're either selling or buying in. 

Investigate areas with strong growth potential and rental demand, and take into account regional real estate market trends.Networking: Attend local real estate events, sign up for internet discussion groups, and establish relationships with seasoned investors.

A local contractor would be an ideal buyer and could likely complete the repairs far cheaper than the OOS OP.   

Listen to the last 6 months of BP podcasts and find local people you can trust. 

LSAs are mainly for companies without local offices such as national companies.

Volunteer to answer phones and do open houses for a local Realty Office.Bottom line is - this can be done, but you are gonna have to really kick *** and take names.....Feel free to ask for help here....if you are serious you can do this.