For reasons of no heirs, estate not worth to be probated, heirs out of state and too busy to travel to another state, it is just better and simpler to have the banks involve take control and deal with the bank's REO department.

Look at a city with strong growth potential, possibly a secondary market benefiting from the current exodus out of large metros, diverse economy that's strong in multiple sectors, travel there and makes sure it's got a good feel.

How do you prevent from piercing the corporate viel if you aim to deduct expenses that have come from your personal credit card (home office, travel..etc)

I live in Ontario purchase properties in the  US with the travel bans we are getting everything  virtually and never see the properties.... to do this we need to have great teams or eyes on the ground... no eyes we dont buy.....but virtual works and works well ,, am more then willing to talk to anyone and share what we have learnt... we are now active in 5 sites and always looking to expand

If you’re near a hospital think of listings to travel nurses where you can get a slightly higher than average rent/room.

Although it is a tough time to travel I think that physically visiting each market would make sense to get a better feel and allow you to meet some local resources. 

I have had policies with Travelers, Safeco, Farmers, etc.  

For example, I have a tenant who is a college football coach and another tenant who is a traveling engineer.

For reference, I have had no problem renting out office space that has good signage and >30k cars per day traveling by. 

In reality, what you're paying for is: InsuranceProfitTaxesLaborExperienceMaterialsIf you figure uncle sam took about 30% of whatever he charged you ($23 there) and subtract materials cost ($10), labor / travel time to lowe's, fuel, vehicle, insurance, tools, etc. you can quickly see how there isn't a whole lot of profit there.