What kind of job would you recommend as a start for a future investor? 

As of current, we are only investing in distressed properties but looking to expand with the right opportunity in the future. :-)

In the future, you can bill back damage that is tenant caused, like abuse to the stove.

That's an awesome strategy and great future goals!

If you provide it you are responsible to repair it, the fact that the washer and dryer were there when they moved in would lead me to lean towards a you should provide laundry services answer, however you may want to switch out to coin laundry or submeter the water for the future anyway.

However, when I was filling my taxes last week, my CPA (future former CPA) didn't know much about how to apply this exclusion on my taxes because it was a rental by the time I sold the property.

The current tenants will appreciate it unless its a long drawn out rehab, and it will be done already for when they leave and lessen the future turnover.

Even if nothing "wrong", it gives you an idea of where any vulnerabilities are as the future unfolds.

I agree with Jeffrey's post, it will create a double layer if you run into litigation issues in the future.

as a new investor I would probably stay more local just because I know nothing about your area, but if the market is that good it can't hurt to run some numbers for future I will message you with my info