That said, @John Underwood is right...just always have some cash in the bank for a roof or HVAC and don't worry about it.

I could go on... it has been time to step away from the party lines and see that they are using this to keep you locked in identity politics. the current cabinet politics are anti american, anti middle class. they simply high jacked the democrat party and hiding in its shell within which they are fully evolving as a fascist dictatorship tyranny.  

Any ideas on how to lock up this property before the auction? 

I suggest you change the locks, give her keys, and have her buy some security cameras that she monitors through her phone.

@John Teachout I was told my the sellers agent that previous home inspections yielded nothing significant.

As @John Underwood said, do your own research.

I've heard from a lot of investors in this area that GC's (at least good ones) are impossible to lock down due to the nature of the market.I'm considering hiring individual contractors for all the different specialties, and trying to find a PM to oversee the rehab to make sure work is getting done.

They typically only lock the rate for 5 years, amortize over 20 years and they have higher interest rates. 

Even if you purchase another property for the same price that you are selling, you're locking in a higher property tax payment which is not ideal.  

Ring doorbell and Schlage lock?