Your MIL would be better served spending the $100k on a down payment for another project.

I advise clients to open in the state where the rental is.

Most of the business style loans are there to serve a need where one doesn't exist already. 

My Canadian clients invest in our projects and don't have to worry about lending, property management, banking and structuring you will face when you buy a property on your own. 

I will always consider it an honor to have had the opportunity to serve my country. 

For their first purchase my clients wanted a safe "turnkey deal" the next project they are looking at will be a value add where can input the BRRR method and be on a path to building a large portfolio of rental properties. 

Daily pictures and written descriptions of work is what I do for my clients.

Begin with the serving of notice (pay or quit) as required in your state codes.Based on the fact that the previous owner had already filed for eviction I would not waste any time of effort speaking to the tenant.

Regarding booking off-site, I have used www.cozy.co to collect rent (with no charge) from a client who wanted to extend their stay beyond the original 30-60 days (I do 30+ day bookings only).

It's the same all over.The other option would be to get a generator going, but asking your clients to maintain that isn't a great idea.