I don't have a lot of time to write, so consider this a placeholder to remind myself to come back and write me...As the author of the mentioned book, it doesn't specifically address flood or fire homes, but as others have said, it addresses all of the renovation tasks associated with these types of distressed homes.When I get a few minutes, I'll write more about what to expect with a flood house...in the meantime, take a look at the post I wrote on my blog (in my sig) on September 27, 2012.

You could authorize it to make mortgage payments, tax payments, pay for materials and services, etc from the rents collected.

BTW - here is the blog collection from the author of that earlier link, where you can find the other parts that accompany that particular article:http://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/author/conniebrz/

Someone who has title ownership, capacity and authority to do business with you.

Basically like a glorified craigslist ad, but something to centralize the processes and not look like spam.

Looking at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Bluegrass-Property-... has anyone in central KY used them ? 

Check your agreement with the manager as to authorization on expenses.A  property manager should give you a monthly summary and detail statement by each property.

(Though I've never had a problem.)You won't have the authority to start service in someone else's name, but you should at least be able to stop service in your own name. 

In my opinion DSTs are far superior to TICs because there is one trustee that has authority to execute decisions much like in a GP/LP type of structure. 

Position yourself as an authority and expert2.