1) Hire a good agent with solid relationships in the market place2) waive contingencies 3) Use an escalation clause and escalate in strong increments4) Find out if anything besides price is important to the sellers

 I know this is the most forward and direct message I posted yet, but this is what I'm here for and get ready for more to come.  I Need Comps pulled for me if someone is available.  Every agent I called has told me th...

Could you hire a property manager to control these headache-properties?

If you need to hire someone to haul it and rent a storage area, you might be able to charge them for it (if you think they would pay). 

That tells you a lot.I would be looking at all this stuff way BEFORE you hire an inspector......Typically inspectors only check the water pressure coming into the house, but not the pressure of the pipes.On a house that old, I would also hire a separate plumber to scope the sewer pipes, unless you know PVC has recently been installed....probably $150.You should also have termite/WDI inspection as part of your home inspection.

I have no construction experience and wouldn't know who to hire or delegate to for this. 

After fixing the upstairs ourselves and with family, hired a contractor to renovate the basement.

I hired a landscaper to keep it clean and I collect the rent. 

I may be in over my head but I would like to accomplish this without hiring a commercial real estate broker.

After that, it became very clear; be your own general and hire out the things you’re not able to do physically or legally.