I'm the third generation following the same path trying to grow the empire in the continental USA. 

It's a tough call because if you're close by, like me, you probably forget the dozens of 2-3 minute tasks that you do, many of which really need to be done that day.

You can keep watch on the house because the REO Listing Brokers first task when any new REO listing is assigned is to complete an occupancy check and post notice.  

Imagine the stewards on the plane picking up glasses and cans, people working in security at the airport, tasked with taking the temps, and not having full biohazard suits on.

On the bright side their parts may be worth more than the whole, 100 year old mantles and staircases can be sold for good money, the same goes for the old growth timber that was used to build the home.

It has confirmed my growth strategy.

What is the path of growth in that market?

The easy answer is population growth.

"asking rents" are not as good as "contracted rents".You are ignoring several main critical determinants of real estate value (population and job forecasts) and many other variables (ex. market cycles), masterplans, path of growth, etc... 

Forming entities is a secondary task for someone starting out.