Rent severely under market value

[Andrei Stegger jr]

Hello everyone, 

I've recently inherited 17 properties:

14 rented average rent $600

3 houses vacant

Section 8 payment standards average $1353

What would be the best way to increase rent? because current rental income is barely covering repairs, and other major cost associated with owning a rental property are needed that i cant afford.

Would it be a bad idea to almost double the rent?

Because most rent has not been increased in the last 15 years and is severely under market value.

The 14 rented houses follow as 12 3 bed 1 bath and 2 2 bed 1 bath.

The cheapest rent i found locally was a 1 bed 1 bath for $850

I am in the Fort Worth area.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated