Hey Max, it would probably be best to discuss this with a licensed CPA who understands the implications of international investment.

Intense internal cosmetic and top tier landscapping What was the outcome?

There are several areas throughout the DOMINICAN REPUBLIC that offer great opportunities to buy excellent properties—the best place to buy a property depends on the buyer's needs, wants, and plans.For example, if the plan is to buy a nice vacation home close to the beach in town close to an international airport and with good hospitals, then PUNTA CANA, LAS TERRENAS, PUERTO PLATA are the best places to buy property; if the plan is to come to retire and live in the mountains enjoying a nice garden with beautiful flowers, but yet be close to a major city with good hospitals and an international airport, than JARABACAO will be the best place to buy property.

Is there a mobile notary in foreign countries that can ship the signed documents internationally or how does this work? 

I need to install a GFCI outlet on both sides of every sink (not replace a normal outlet with a GFCI one, put in entirely new outlets so every sink has two), install another 2-3 smoke detectors per property, repaint all internal molding/trim so that it matches, replace a garage door panel that has a 1 cm dent, and so on.

Are there any rules or restrictions I should be aware of as an international grad in the US?

You have quoted the International Residential Code with R310.1 not the fire code.  

I have off-market deals, contractors, and an internal PM.

Ideally, in the Chicago area, but we are open to exploring out of market and even internationally (we've even been reading a fair amount about international properties for AirBnB).

Again, I'm not sure why your manager isn't just doing this for you...there must be part of the arrangement that I'm not understanding.Listing "internally" is fantastic!