We are looking for investors to meet up with that are close to our area to network with. 

Suggest you network with investors and/or your local REI Club to find an investor friendly "flooring" guy.

So, yes, technically your wife can count towards the occupation requirement, but it's geared more for military members PCS'ing or setting up a household in a new location before the veteran can occupy the home, or a member on tour in one of those unaccompanied "hardship" locations where families aren't welcome, or on deployment, not for a couple who live in the same major metropolitan area.  

The whole thing would be fascinating, the honey is likely delicious and if you can get somebody to film the whole process, you've got an amazing show on your hands.The renovations after the bees are gone will be incredibly messy and the vast majority of the drywall, if not all of it, is going to have to go.  

The major disadvantage may be gaining financing.

They are basically god forever unless the property gets a vacant house notice from the city or major permitted repairs are done.

Being remote, I'm not looking to do major rehab for my first deal because I'm still building my network "on the ground" and it feels a little overwhelming, but I am willing to do some cosmetic items to attract the right renters.

The feeling of BP reminds me of the alumni network of Notre Dame (where I completed my EMBA) - everyone is passionate about connecting with and helping others, it's great.  

There are huge economies of scale when it comes to parking so not every "major" company is in every geography.  

This is my absolute emergency fund...hope to never need it to pay for a major repair....I use about $10k to $20k of this to do some high probability options trading.