While vacancy can be an issue having a reserve fund for vacancies and maintenance can offset those.

I'd recommend contacting at least 2-3 and setting up coffee/phone chats to see who you vibe with the most.

If they were at market rent, it would be an additional $900/mo.

For me, commuting is not going to be an issue.

Obviously, $5k is just an example but either way there needs to be an incentive for that tenant to give up their lease.

Quote from @Adam Czachor: If you're going to be an absentee landlord, I would start by looking for highly skilled property managers that can handle whatever you purchase.

She would be an incredible asset to your team.

Will be an immediate impact either way.Again cost declines are normally slower than increases.  

I generally want my point of contact to be an investor themself, because they can be a mentor, not just a lender.

Some of the towns & cities where our investors do well: Wallingford, Milford, Cheshire, Middletown, Cromwell, North Haven, Woodbridge, Orange, Shelton, Watertown, Newtown, Branford, Bethel, and Guilford to name just a few.For 2 bedroom rentals: Good school systems may be an issue for some, especially for single parents but also proximity to employment comes into play as well so it adds places like parts of Hamden, New Haven, West Haven,  Bristol, East Haven, Stratford, Northford, GlastonburyFor apartments - studio & 1's: All of above plus Derby, Ansonia, SeymourWe don't go past Glastonbury as a rule so I can't comment on Hartford and north.