Not being able to physically walk or see the progress is very difficult, then you start getting change orders from the contractor.

Your choice on physical size is limited but if height is an issue you can get one that is shorter with a greater diameter.Put in a tankless on demand and you have limitations on who can service it Any plumber can replace or work on a regular water heater but not all are skilled enough to service a tankless.  

@Allen Lopez Pen Fed will do a Heloc at 80% LTV on a rental if it's held in your name, not in an LLC and you have 3 properties or less including your primary. 12 year draw, tied to prime + 1%, no closing costs unless a physical site visit appraisal is needed, if closed within 24 months they will back charge the fees they waived in opening your Heloc ($400-$600), you choose I/O payments or P/I payments. 

Right now we do cash, and we write them a physical receipt.

I guess you might actually need a physical person to turn the place over for you or clean and prep.

Also businesses tend to cut back on travel meetings and holding conventions in a physical space.That can all lead to decreased revenue for hotels.

As long as I can physically see my investments, I have some sort of psychological ease of mind.

For not, I am an Infantry Officer but one of the rare ones that during my first five years (the most rigorous physically) I am still without any real wear and tear on my body so I can't/wouldn't count on disability really adding any income I don't think. 

The only way you can look up distressed properties is by mortgage failures and that doesn't necessarily translate to distressed properties in the physical way.

If I am physically there, I like to do the repairs myself, but I understand that can be a daunting task if you aren't handy.