At least while you learn. 

While you may be willing to live without heat/ac or hot water for a week.

Bonus points if they’re used to working with investors or can help keep costs in check while maintaining quality.I have a few references I can give you.

I've purchased all of my properties while out of state or out of country.

Never heard of them....so don't know good or bad.   

It also means you don't have to learn two different ways of doing things. 

The ground floor was redesigned for retail units, while the upper floors were converted into modern, open-concept office spaces.Modern Amenities: Introduced features like energy-efficient lighting, upgraded HVAC systems, and high-speed internet infrastructure.Aesthetic Upgrade: Refreshed the façade with contemporary materials while preserving historical elements to maintain its character.OutcomesIncreased Occupancy: The property went from 40% to 95% occupancy within six months of renovation.Higher Rental Rates: Upgraded spaces commanded rental rates 30% higher than before.Enhanced Property Value: The property's appraised value increased by 50% post-renovation.Investor's ROIBy investing in smart architectural design, the investor not only revitalized a neglected property but also significantly boosted their ROI through higher rental income and property appreciation.

If you die while holding the property, it gets a stepped up value and all the gain is tax free.If rental the taxes can be deferred via a 1031 and if you die while holding it, it gets the stepped up bases with gain forgiven.Hopefully the numbers provide some example of possibilities. 

I don't have enough knowledge to vet who's a good operator so I passed.

While a 1031 exchange can defer the recognition of a loss, it's generally not the best option unless there are specific strategic reasons to do so.