I have a prospective midterm guest who is an international bible college student wanting to rent our MTR from July - December.

What are the prospects for value increases in this area?

However, like @Ellis San Jose mentioned above, you will command more $$$ for your property if it is delivered vacant (unless you are getting top market rent for that unit).If you do sell with tenants, be prepared when the prospective buyer requests rent rolls, estoppel certificates, rent history, existing leases, rent due dates, security deposits, and any other written or verbal agreements.

I've heard investors finding better prospects in the Midwest if pure cash flow is your goal but I would also say don't take away from the value of equity appreciation in a market.

To your question, I get leads with a prospection software or just walking up the streets and looking for signs of distress.

If you think custodial account is not necessary from tax prospective, I will be very glad to drop them. 

The language issue is significant, this is why (you'll love this) I engaged a prospective seller to help me with the translation.

Wishing you more prospective tenants come knocking on your door!

I have always personally shown the rental units to prospective tenants but am not always available. 

Do you think that will deter potential tenants?