Alternatively, once the existing tenant is out, you can lease at market rate.The real challenge of "non-landlord friendly" areas in the form of: your ability to adjust their rent from one lease term to the next, rent control issues that would limit your ability to ever push rent increases over time, any mandates on required renewal options for existing tenants (typically come with rent control measures) and the ease and speed with which evictions are processed. 

On the broker side, I like having a little bit more control over the process like being able to talk to the UW, ordering appraisals through my AMC, and handling all third party communications. 

Consistency with contractors and controlling material costs can make all the difference.

Price controls on food , its all BS . 

Only by controlling costs, managing the projects, and having a steady pipeline of projects will we be able to have a viable business.

Would you hire a single GC for all the projects, and give him total control?

Since this is a seller, you would need everything in writing that was signed at closing stating you would take control of the listing.

"Your success as an investor will be determined by how you respond to punctuated moments of terror, not the years spent on cruise control." - The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel In real estate, it's not the smooth sailing that defines us, but how we navigate the storms.

Basically establish more controls.

Paint an alluring picture of what the buyers life could look like.Lastly, remember fair housing rules (although a flat fee broker should review and eliminate any violations as part of their quality control process).