I see people purchasing new STR's here and others dumping their properties or converting into LTR's. 

But otherwise the best way to get in front of people is through either word-of-mouth like you're doing or paid advertising on Google, Meta, Pinterest etc., I think there's a lot to building a "community" like feel for your tenants that may include events, giveaways, etc., to get them to engage with you and elevate their living experience.  

It doesn't sound like a showstopper to me.Did you ask the plumber if there is anything people can flush that will help keep the lines clear?

By poisoning the rats, you're letting them roam free into the world where people's pets can eat them, not wise. 

I'm doing this exact thing right now- I've been pleasantly surprised by how many people in my network have resources, cash and interest in something like this. 

Ok so a diff path then my previous post.I also wanted to invest in real estate but just assume( and bet is probably true) that most of the people that find truly good investments have  either or all of the following the most "average joes" don't:1.

I am partnering with with other people who want to invest in real estate and they have money but they don't have the time, experience, or knowledge of how to invest in real estate in a way that makes a lot of money quickly.

Also in my experience it was a waste of time to send letters or any kind of marketing.

The audacity people have to trash your place, treat you like garbage and want their money back. 

I've seen a lot of people try this, and they rarely use the home.