In fact, there are very few small MFH around the way compared to here so we're looking to house-hack but are open to other opportunities.  

Without taking too much of your time, let's jump right in.Rent comparables, using the lower-mid end of the market:1/1 - $14753/2 - $2500Mortgage 30YF @ 4.359%, 14% downTriplex- 3/2 & 1/1 & 1/1Asking Price 519,000EGI65,400 - vacancy (5%) = 62,130Yearly Operating ExpensesTaxes (1.15%) - 7,785insurance - 1500 repairs (5%)- 3270CapEx (10%) - 6540PM (10%) - 6540Utilities - 1500Total Expenses- 27,135NOI= 34,99534,995 - 27,384 (mortgage- refer above) = 7,611$$$634$$$ CASH FLOW per month, or over $200 per door for this multi in LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA CA!!

I just have to be a contrarian here @Caleb Heimsoth  as Caleb states I cannot think of anything risker than remote rehab for beginners.. keep in mind the author is a very experienced real estate professional and what works for him simply is not germane for beginners I know they want to sell books on this site.. but I fear there is going to be some really sad people that try to do this and simply don't know what they don't know.. all to just save 5 to 10k  extra that a flipper that does all the work and takes all the risk makes bringing you a finished product.. you can lose 10 to 20k in a heart beat doing this if not more.. 

(get data points to compare)Is it in a good area with reasonable chances for long term appreciation....?

Watch the properties see what they sell for and compare your numbers. 

Also like the idea of starting to prepare the tenants for the new management approach and expectations I'll bring compared to the previous owners.

Someone has to have the legal authority to sell, in order for you to buy.  

That just doesn't feel right to me :) So, if you want to hire somebody to buy and deliver stuff to vending machines you need at least 10 machines, because otherwise the salary of a person would be too high compare to profits you are getting from the sales.

For the area it's in the rent is low compared to what I could be getting (some homes in the $1000 to $1150  range).  

Do your research, start with rentometer.com then check local listings, make sure to compare apples to apples.