I know the area, and know that I'd like to be at least 30k under what he currently wants for it based on his description of the property via phone, etc. 

@Brenda Henry from a functional perspective, the most important thing you can do is make sure they have the phone number and email you want them to use.

Phone systems or get virtual assistant?

My theory is that they really don't have a solid grasp on the proper way to do it, i.e. handshake deals, improper tenant screening, etc.

It does not seem that they are servicing their client very well to have a possible buyer waiting around for a phone call.    

Evaluate all applications against the same rental criteria and ask the same pre-screening questions of each applicant.  

That's great, except for the competition.It's a little farther away, but I think a lot fewer Boston people are trying to buy properties in Smithfield, Scituate, Johnston or Coventry (just for a few examples).I'd also recommend attending local real estate groups that are active in the area you're thinking about investing in, for example in RI I know there's one group that meets monthly in Warwick.Attend a group like that and make it a goal to meet (best) or talk to on the phone (less desirable but still good) investors who are local to the areas you're looking to invest in (not out of state as you'll be).

@Farzan SetayeshNothing out of the ordinary, but I use the combination of the following consistently:- google photo for agent photo/video sharing- docusign for executing docs- acrobat X for all other doc edits- whatsapp for texts and phone calls- online money wiring or ACH for large items- paypal or venmo for smaller items- zelle or ACH for collecting rent- yelp or taskrabbit for misc repairs- lawnlove for landscaping or snow removal - skype for group meetings- Dropbox for online record storage- google voice for call forwarding - email for all tenant communications - autodraft for all utility & mortgage payments- online payments for all taxes & insurance - google earth to survey neighborhoods for out of town purchases - amazon or HD for online parts ordering The automation & streamlining of low value tasks enable me to preserve time for higher value activities.

I would be more than happy to have a visit on the phone. 

@Michael Dooley Screen your tenants well.