The highest offer wins, and you cannot back out of the offer once you've made it.Finally be wary of immigration laws and health insurance/benefits.

Any suggestions or tips to avoid this besides follow-up emails and calls the day before? 

Could you tip me in the right direction concerning options?

@Joe C. Are

I will also eventually be investing and managing out of state and could use tips there.

Any other tips or pitfall with making an offer when remodel is not finished yet?

I could use all of the tips and experiences you have to offer!

I was told by the seller's agent that the seller "doesn't care if he sells it or not", because it's a solid earner and zero maintenance.Any thoughts, one way or the other?

Positives:-Cheaper price "per door"-Lower taxes-Higher cap ratesNegatives-Much harder to control rehab/turnover costs-Much less control-No manager ever cares as much as you do!

I'd talk with @Ann Bellamy for lending.When your rehab is done, talk with me about marketing the property to get top dollar for it.Pro tip - be sure you look at whether the property is on town sewer of private septic system.