Make sure in the contract it allows you to do this, but yes, this is a very common practice.

It is very easy to envision cost overruns and additions to the scope of work here in this scenario. 

My initial hope was to invest in Canada to avoid complicated tax scenarios, but I know members of the BP community have had good success with cross border investing as long as it's structured correctly.I'm looking to work at least 1 more year overseas, but I'd like to start transitioning into investing over the next 12 months if possible to do so from abroad.I'm really excited to enter into this exciting industry, and hopefully work with some of the great real estate minds here on BP!

Don't be scare of slate roofs, they're common and not an issue, just always have a slate guy go and inspect and repair any broken/missing tiles and flashing on day 1.  

Are rentals common in the area?  

I know this is common practice for realtors, but I wouldn't have anyone on-site to supervise.

Hello BP,I have a scenario that I can't seem to figure out.

In a refinance scenario, you do not need a loan mod because you will get a full payoff as part of that process.  

Include repairs, PM, CapEx and there is no monthly cash flow or even break even scenario, unless you are doing a total gut.

You may not know the northern New Jersey market, but is it common to make a tenant of a SFR responsible for lawn/snow removal?