@Scott HarperHas your friends mother went to Assisted Living or a nursing (skilled nursing) home?

., professionals who are in the area for a year for work and want a large space to rent for that period.

I think the skill you have is the most important one.  

Went to college for architecture and have worked in my professional life as a building inspector, insurance underwriter, and actuary, and I lived in a 2-fam and had two more 2-fams in my hometown of Buffalo, NY, and sold those when I got a job offer and moved to New Orleans, LA. 

Readers are advised to seek professional advice.

I see folks get into crazy deals not knowing what things will cost, so good on you for having that skill set and being able to fix everything!

They focus on deals in the gentrifying areas of town, and target higher end tenant base they have built through professional networks. 

I specialize in basement egress window installation but I am just as skilled in whole house remodeling. 

Now I’m not worried because o have automated online systems for rent collection, contractors and licensed repair professionals on speed dial, and I have some boots on the ground in the form of family who can lend their knowledge and keep an eye out for me.My first thought to this question is : if I’m worried that it may be too far ,then for me it may be too far.I could never do a flip that far away, IMO.

Other things you can use to demonstrate your intent would be your normal practice, rental agreements or rental listings, written correspondence with your professionals etc.You've got a pretty healthy gain to shelter for sure.