Look into connecting with some local investors, they typically have meet-ups often and swap stories and different strategies.

I would consider the tenant's past, as well as the condition of the unit, my local market, and other factors.

Start networking with local agents and investors for insights, and talk to a lender to get pre-approved to understand your budget.

First you have to face the local municipalities & will be extremely difficult to get the zoning approved. 

Have you tried calling the local police department, or sheriff's department, or the Texas Rangers depending on where this theft took place.

My PM quotes me and does the work on my buys to get them rent-ready and then manages them and I'm local but they do the same for many out of state investors as do many Property managers in Milwaukee such as Citywide Rentals, Welcome Home Milwaukee or MKE Leasing. 

From my experience, attending local meetups, lending-specific events, and networking with experienced investors can open doors.

If so, self-managing properties might not be the best use of your time - In any case, I'd encourage you to talk to multiple local property management companies, keep the above in mind, and understand how they approach management.In my experience, property management isn’t just about finding the right tenant or collecting rent—especially in a tenant-friendly state like Rhode Island.

Thanks as always.RL Local PM here, we develop and have a wide portfolio, happy to model a cashflow analysis and if possible, find ways to increase your properties income.

While I always prefer to do deals with local, responsive agents.