Having Trouble Renting Unit in First Property

[Kevin Zmick]

Hey All! New forum member here.

Long story short, I ended up through circumstances deciding this was a good time for me to buy a live-in two flat, which I mention because it is not a cash-positive investment for me. I'm happy with my purchase but am having a very hard time finding a tenant for the vacant unit. I've lived in the city for over 10 years and have been in a lot of apartments, and I can't see what it is about the unit that could be giving me so much trouble. Newer appliances, free nice laundry, 2nd floor, yard space, storage, clean bathroom, included heat, installed window A/C.

Appraisal suggested the unit was worth 2,300 a month, which I felt was a bit high, so I listed it for $2,150 with no move in fee and a 2k deposit. No takers after 1 month (September) on the market. Lowered the price to $2,050, more interest, but no takers for a Nov 1 move in. As of yesterday, I listed at 1995 with half off first month for a Nov 1 move-in. 

I can afford to have the unit empty, but obviously don't want to do that, and am at a loss around what I should do going forward. I'm stressing because I wasn't anticipating this and am not excited about the prospect of paying 2k more than I was expecting when my mortgage payments kick in next month.

I'll be searching the forum for answers as well, but since I am kinda desperate at the moment, I thought I would go straight to the source for advice. Any strategies for enticing clients? How to find the right price?

Thanks in advance!

PS My realtor did me a solid and listed the place on that network for free and isn't taking a commission, but as a trade off I'm kinda on my own as far as finding someone when leads come in.