of all the threads ive read, this is on the books for uniqueness 

This is a duplex with a carriage house, so it's somewhat unique in this particular neighborhood.

This is also a rule of thumb, and each investment is unique, but general speaking I try to stay away from markets that have a declining rent trend.Where to find information?

What tasks are the hardest to do on the software you use?

I drive by the house multiple times most days and he is there about 33% of  the time, every time he needs supplies he will run to the store with no forethought of what he may need after he finishes that task.

If you are told by seller of a bad tenant, or you just want it vacated, you can stipulate the unit(s) be vacant at close or notice given (in CA they get 60 days notice so they may not be out by close date) but that's the seller's task.

While our homes are larger and somewhat unique, and your expectations should be lower with more of a cookie-cutter 4 or 5 bedroom, our gross rents average 4-5x the mortgage payment or so. 

While those resources are great, an even better approach is having someone physically be at your job site showing you the best way they have found to do a specific task like: cabinets, baseboard, windows, doors, plumbing, electrical...

I recently did exactly what you described about 11 months ago on my own personal unit and it was simply a matter of delegating the right tasks  to the right people.

Is it possible to advance in some tasks from the distance during the buying process?