But I do not buy bottom barrel properties in bad locations (busy roads, crime, eye-sore views) instead I focus on making a property one that the average modern family will want. 

I recommend reading the book traction and following EOS - they have a one page business plan that is awesome to follow. any planner can work it's a matter of creating the plan and how to monitor and follow through with it which eos teaches

Michael,   A good book to purchase is "Professional Real Estate Development: The ULI guide to Business.   

Cost of doing business.

https://www.wgal.com/article/south-central-pennsylvania-busi...

When we create our business plan, we also include our exit plan.We'll only proceed if we can clean this up, acquire new tenants at higher rents so we can increase our NOI, which in turn should reflect our cap rate and profits.Since this asset class is new to us we will tread cautiously.Scheduled to preview tomorrow. 

You can also download it directly in PDF format from my business page - Premier Cleveland Investing (scroll down to "resources").

What entry point do you usually do business in?

Hope your season is busy, too!

"Chasing" after a tenant is not good business and will waste a ton of your time.