The property tax went up faster than the rents until the hurricanes. 

I had to get my 3rd party manager set up with multifamily flooring, painting, and supply vendors and different maintenance so that turns would be faster, more efficient and affordable.

Pull comparables of similarly distressed properties that have recently sold; use a rehab checklist to get a rough idea of repair cost, and emphasize that a cash offer will move closing process much faster.  

Starting earlier means that you start the mortgage pay down sooner if you Buy and Hold and therefore your properties are paid off faster as you get older.2.

And i post my own deals on the MLS in order to move them faster.

I don't think it will take you longer, in fact, I think it will be faster than what you proposed and less risky.It's less risky, because your plan depends on your properties staying the same price or appreciating in value.

Faster down on the front range :-)

Would be great to clear some capital if you had a good exit strategy there, but you might be able to get going on the primary goal even faster if you could go with a low money down approach like an FHA Loan or House Hack.  

I'm not familiar with purchasing partials, but it seems like a good option while in the process of expanding your bankroll.

Let them know that they don't need to be home, You are just asking the apartment is suitable for viewing.The faster you show it the faster you'll rent it the less they will be disturbed, make sure you tell them this.