If you are wanting this to be long term investment I would recommend going for the Fannie Mae as the PMI requirements will drop off at 80% LTV and will allow you to transfer the loan into an LLC.

Renters insurance covers the renters belongings. 

I mean someone started storing their belongings in one of our units without our knowledge and without ever paying for unit, signing a contract, or ever starting the process at all.

If you are, then you don’t belong in the ring.

The security deposits do not belong to you.

Vliding times, due diligence periods, etc aren’t going to be longer with an agent.

And the reason why is simple:"Where imposture, ignorance, and brutal cupidity, are the stock in trade of a small body of men, and one is described by these characteristics, all his fellows will recognise something belonging to themselves, and each will have a misgiving that the portrait is his own."

Explain that you are fixing up the common areas and need people to take their belongings out of the common space (and keep them out).If some are into gardening, tell them you are also doing the landscaping and are open to suggestions though that doesn't mean you are going to do them. 

If they had a verbal agreement with the last tenant,   and the last tenant gave notice or has officially abandoned per definition thereof  (you can look for things like them having cancelled their utility accounts, emptied unit of their belongings, etc)  then they can't prove anything and maybe you can use that approach.   

I'm now living in MD where I bought a condo based on the fact that I can rent it out and it should cashflow when I move out (which probably won't be long), so I've at least also convinced myself that that's a good idea especially with the low interest rates right now.I also enthusiastically second Mitch's suggestion to consider house hacking with roommates (or if you happen to find something with an ADU or even a duplex that would definitely open so doors for you)Good luck - hope you find something that works!