This is pretty common for investors who invest out of the state they live in and who rely on those who know the market, can drive to see the neighborhood/physically walk the property, etc. 

sure it requires more disclosures to be signed like FHA Cert/amend that needs to be signed by all parties and for older buildings you'll need Lead based paint (LBP) disclosures signed by all parties and these arent physically hard things to do but it shapes the perception of the seller of more perceived risk if there are no professional lenders or agents present to explain and massage these forms in the psyche of the seller/buyer conversation.Are there repairs to FHA that make it more difficult ? 

I am not sure if her health condition is purely physical or if it's adversely affecting her mental faculties, but if you have a strong relationship and rapport you can have a candid and open conversation about your intentions and demonstrate any way you can help (through deeds, financial support, etc). 

I found a great cloud-based brokerage that will allow me to train without physically being in the office taking leave from my military position.

At this point, since they are, as you stated, "long term" Tenants, I will assume they have been in the unit for years, and the odds are that you will need to make substantial cosmetic and physical repairs to get it prepped for a current market rate Tenant.

Other over a dozen recommended fixes:Electrical: 1.There was exterior wiring visible that was not in conduit2.A GFCI outlet would not trip when tested3.The weatherproof covering is missing on the exterior receptacle4.An outlet box is loose from wall5.An outlet did not register as being energized with an outlet tester or multimeter.6.A light fixture has physical damage.7.A light fixture was inoperative.8.There was no power detectedPlumbing: There was no discharge tube connected to the tpr valveAttic, Insulation & Ventilation: They were stained areas in the atticDoors, Windows & Interior:1.SEVERAL WOOD WINDOWS APPEAR TO BE PAINTED SHUTExterior:1.An exterior door does not close or latch properly.2.An exterior door is missing sufficient weatherstripping.

I havent physically been in it yet.

EasyReal estate, since you then own a useful physical asset, composed of an aggregation of individual physical assets (wood, copper, metals, etc), which has value beyond monetary.

They do all the reports you would want or need to be done, including credit reports, eviction reports, tenant scores, etc.When doing a credit report or tenant score (which includes credit report) you will need to have a physical inspection done and the cost of this is $90.

And yes it's 2018, so with a good online banking platform you never need to write a physical check.