I think Fred makes a good point, you would be hard pressed to find tenants willing to rent >$2000 a month.

http://www.quickenloans.com/press-room/2017/01/10/home-value-perception-reverses-course-gap-between-owner-estimates-and-appraisals-widens/

But also consider using a broker and property management company, with the trouble and financial loss you are dealing with now it would more than pay for itself.The Asbury Park Press just did an excellent 4 or 5 part series on the state of landlord/tenant around the state.

Another possibility is that they weren't that motivated to begin with, there needs to be a pressing issue.

I would gladly put in time helping to manage the renovation process for someone who is pressed for time in that area. 

Rental income is based on today's local going rate and you need to establish that bench mark before you make an offer.

Hi Ebony, I know from experience, my niece has been trying to find a deal in Orlando, it is very difficult, there is a lot of competition, you are hard pressed to find something lower than $120 sq ft. which makes it difficult to meet the 2% rule.

I recently cam across the topic of a Press Release.

It is good to have good working relations with a bank, but definitely use hard money if you are pressed for time just because of the quick turn around.

However, I will say that SoCal is one of the most profitable real estate markets in the nation for long term total return (cash flow + appreciation) ... you'd be hard pressed to find a more profitable one ... perhaps San Francisco or Honolulu?