I am learning but am struggling to tie tools, etc, together to understand a deal.  

I agree with @Jonathan Greene here that the first step is thinking through what to do with the primary residence - you might try this tool that I built a few months ago to analyze whether you should keep or sell the primary residence! 

@Karen Seguin, it all depends on what you are trying to convey to your tenants.At minimum, any welcome letter should provide updated contact info for maintenance requests and mailing address for rent payments, and if the legal notice address is different than lease, include that.This can also be a good way to politely remind people of any general rules that you expect them to adhere to.  

They have decent PM tools. 

I know people who currently have that, it started a generation ago and probably ends next generation, it's hard to maintain this more than a couple generations because the politics, religion and underlying values can't hold across hundreds of extended family members.The same goes for business/way of life.

It was a time period marked by social upheaval, political instability, the collapse of the feudal system and near-constant military conflict. 

Giving the recurring issues with labor quality and scarcity, would you say automation tools like construction 3d printing or other tech are worth exploring?

It’s all about positioning yourself for long-term gains, and with your current knowledge and tools, you’re in a great spot to make that happen!

Seconding what @Jonathan Greene said, you have a powerful tool for house hacking when you get back.

No jazzy tools, BS booklets, word-salad info whatever's, just BE OF SERVICE.