What it really comes down to is understanding the demographics in Pittsburgh, having solid management in place, and utilizing the right investing strategy that fits the sub-market's attributes.

I am in the processes of closing my 3rd deal in 3 months and I attribute my willingness to actually get in and do something, as well as my success so far , largely to @Seth Williams and his BP podcast interview, responsiveness to posts and is REtipster site.Second, have you considered asking the seller for a general warranty deed to see if they'll do it. 

@Dane Fossee ,  I agree with @Ben Leybovich - the two items that standout for me is the insurance being high, and the management being low - a good figure is 10%.  

Any ideas on how to stand out  in the forest of rental postings on Craigslist?  

We all want a large amount of things to be wrong with a property but most of the houses you might end up buying might only have subtle clues that make them stand out. 

Some major attributes play a role are bedrooms, bathrooms, square footage and a garage.Mike

Men that have these attributes will do well in RE and also other areas.Home buying is emotional.

I forgot to attribute the article to the Heritage Foundation

So you can attribute a cap rate more accurately to an owner than a building:) I would trade @Brian Burke on an 8 cap:) I don't care the advertised rate, I know what Brian can deliver more than I know all the real expenses of a building or what occupancy will be in 4 years.

This is where flippers should really start, IMO, as you identify what really increases the marketability of an existing property, where you discover the small details that make a property stand out and marketable.