While there was some appreciation in early 14, after that it got stagnated. and given the price levels, it mayn't appreciate anytime soon in this area.

Not sure an attorney is needed unless you want to bring them in for more higher level planning. 

Simply put "The more I know, The faster, and The Better" I'll produce for you.

Prices are also start at quite reasonable levels ($400ish for stoves, $500ish for refrigerators, etc.).  

Also, how does one develop a comfort level while investing out of country?

That you believe this to be how RECs operate shows that you know very little about how real estate is regulated at the state level.  

Hard to say for sure but I'd expect a 2BR to be well under a thousand and even 3BRs probably just scraping that level probably in the $900 range.As I said without the address it is hard to say but I did just to a rentometer search around an address for a listed 4 fam that is asking a little over $200K and it gave the median for a 3BR as $850.  

That ain't fun if you've used your money for deposit, waited 3-6 weeks for court date only to have Johnny come lately snag your deal.In my state, CA, the underlying document you would want to review to determine level of powers in referred to as Letters Testamentary.

I see the meaning in terms of say hiring someone to hang/finish drywall who gets it done faster, better and turns the unit around more quickly vs doing it oneself and not having to pay a contractor, but paying oneself $4.50/hr and having a finished job that looks south of awesome.  

I flip full time in Denver, and have never sold a property for more than $300k ARV, my initial thought is you might be swinging a little over your weight class.  500-700k is a whole different world and a ton of experience and detail above the entry level houses in/around Denver.