Communication is going to be my greatest difficulty because internet and cell service is not always available.

Ideally, I would like to work with a realtor who is hungry, a great communicator, and has a quick turnaround for finding comps.

Tenants have been relatively communicative about their financial hardships during COVID-19 and over the last several months we have worked together to keep them in the home and even reduced rent for several months during the summer. 

It does require clear communication, though, about what you will and will not do, and what will cost extra. 

@Kyle Keller 100% give them the extra day; however, it is best to communicate with them that if they breach the extra days as agreed then you start to charge the rent at a daily rate, which can be higher than the normal rent. 

So what creative methods are you using to deal with these difficult renters that refuse to pay or communicate?

Even if it didn't, you may have a difficult time getting a court-awarded eviction because judges are hesitant to kick anyone out due COVID-19.As long as the tenant is communicating and making some effort, I recommend you hang on.

Brian,Talk to the folks and tell them and find out what the situation is.Most problems are caused by a lack of communication.

This is a good opportunity to communicate that this is not okay and that you would always like to have go/no-go decisions on any spend over $X.Worst case scenario they said or thought "in for a penny in for a pound" and wanted to make as much as possible off this ordeal, never-mind the outcome for you, their client. 

This will simplify the process as the agent and the lender will already be in communication and will know what step of the home buying process you are in at all times, making the whole process smoother and quicker for you as the home buyer.