I'd love to hear others' opinions on this but I am a fan of making the house as attractive as you can to a potential buyer, even if that adds cost. 

They usually sell for a really attractive price because investment property financing is (obviously) difficult, somewhat limiting the buyer pool to owner-operator small business owners (who in turn are typically great clients, as well).  

I have actually been thinkin about cutting losses honestly, I am not sure this is the best investment I could have made as my first but worried about how much of a loss I would have to take.It is meant for S8 for sure, I would have a stringent application process, and give the neighborhood a C from my research.I invested there because it was the first deal that basically fell on my lap where the mentor works with agents that Seller Finance deals, it was only $3k down and had thought the proximity to St.Louis would be attractive to tenants also.I effed up on waiting to post for rent until after all repairs and the COO for sure.  

Many pest companies stated this was the worse infestation they had ever seen.Despite its condition, the property presented an attractive investment opportunity due to its below-market listing price.

This season often poses challenges in attracting tenants.

But that's not how it had been described to me by the lady from city housing. 

I’ve included a photo for reference of the kitchen which is the main attraction of the Mass home.Now I am looking to pursue REI long-term and am looking for tips on how those more experienced in the field have operationalized and scaled the property selection process.Our thinking for this first official investment is to either acquire a duplex/triplex and add our touch or acquire a single family where an ADU can be added.

Facts will also change, I'll edit as appropriate.So.Quest Trust aka Quest IRA sold to Millenium Trust (now Inspira, ugh, did the Bud Light marketing lady get hired there?

Understanding your market, what you are offering, and the kind of tenant you can expect to attract and KEEP will help you determine how to screen.

Also look at the area as well in terms of how attractive it will be for people to rent out your units.