This talks about sending letters to seniors, but the general concept is the same. https://www.biggerpockets.com/member-blogs/11806/84376-your-letter-to-seniors-offer-them-something-they-care-aboutAs for the phone call - I am a believer in answering the phone whenever possible.

They're pretty handy to take care of a variety of tasks.

I told him I'll take care of the place like I own it and he won't hear from me unless it's something major. 

Many times tenants have been subjected to less than ideal conditions from their landlord and are excited about the possibility of having a landlord who cares about them.

Where do I need to be careful and what should be clarified in the deal/contract?. 

Be careful of Stockton. 

Hey Eric,If you've bought the property and already have a trusted tenant-in-waiting, plus a year-long lease agreement prepared, that's the B and one of the big Rs taken care of.

Properties that I take care of for my clients are either house # or I have names for some of them, not all are good names haha Ghost house, roach house, flea bag, etc

In the end, I agreed to pay cash to speed up the purchase and rent back the SFH to seller for up to 3 months (most home buyers won't do that, but I don't care as a remote investor).  

There is almost no grounds to take care of except 2 trees.