The idea of taking the monthly cash over the lump sum can be a better choice, but not in all cases.  1 - Let's start with the question of how old a person is, and how long they will be taking that $50/month, or $600/year. 

Do you think sticking with white is a safe choice, or is there another color that would add some more curb appeal while remaining neutral?

I would never rent to any of them by choice and any I inherit in the future I would make every effort to get rid of sooner rather than later.

Looking to connect with like minded individuals in the Kansas City, Kansas area!

The commission paid greatly outweighs having to go back on the market and potentially getting less than you listed it for the first time.Some individual markets are better for this than others, but if you have an agent with a great strategy on the list side (professional photos, staging advice, etc) and you pair that with listing the property at a low price; you increase your chances dramatically of getting a bidding war and not only offsetting the commission but potentially making more than originally planned. 

I'm excited to join this community and connect with like-minded individuals passionate about real estate investing.

Sure one unit may have more occupants than the other, etc. but this is quite simply the simplest way and quite arguably the fairest way because of the issues with rubs above ; ESPECIALLY when this understood by the Tenant before moving in -- instead of focusing on utilities for the individual (RUBS) you are focusing on utilities for the space.

Going turnkey is a smart choice given your time constraints, just make sure you have a property management in place to handle the proeprties for you. 

@Ryan Kline You either have a balance sheet we all envy or you are an individual who has no confidence in their ability to be a good real estate operator.

Individual LLC, Parent/Child LLC, Trusts, etc.