How this works is once there is an accepted offer, you will do a physical walkthrough of each unit. 

One of the best managers around here is a woman, and practically the only manager i'd ever consider getting anywhere close to managing properties for me.I hate, hate, hate physical rent collection and have almost entirely outsourced it to a local small bank who will let people come and will deposit it to an account of ours.

That said, if you do get them and you choose a "fancy" front loader washing machine I would post some rules about leaving the washer door open, physically drying excess water off the door and drum, and any other instructions to prevent mildew because those units are evil and you will get mildew stains when your tenants leave, especially if they're used to normal washers.

Do you know if any of these services would send some one to physical inspect the units and send out reports, pics etc?

Many people (myself included) use a calendar app similarly, though probably not as effective as a physical reminder.

What stops them from claiming the property as theirs, especially since they physically live there.     

The dogs have too much physical strength and genetic predisposition to violence.

Bachelor's in Kinesiology and a Doctorate in physical therapy. 

However, buying properties in cities that would require a flight to get there seems very risky since I am physically so far away. 

Here are just a few of my RE goals (I'm sure I'll create more as I gain experience):- Learn as much as I possibly can about the world of real estate - fix & flip, wholesaling, finance, and ultimately out of state cash flow rentals (my understanding is that currently CA is not the most ideal market for cash flow rentals)- Successfully Fix and Flip at least one home with my 82 year old father - he hung sheet rock for 50 years, and although he cannot physically do the heavy work anymore, he still has the heart, the passion, and the vision.