Not to mention that in many states, appliances are not even required to be provided by the landlord.

Here are a few lessons I learned during the renovation, many of which stemmed from the age of the house and unexpected hidden damages:1.Damaged Plumbing: Several plumbing pipes were ruptured or severely damaged, requiring replacement.2.Termite Infestation: I discovered termites, which led to additional costs for treatment and repairs.3.Rotted Wood: Significant sections of wood in the structure were rotted and had to be replaced.4.Lack of Insulation: There was no insulation in the att Did you work with any real estate professionals (agents, lenders, etc.) that you'd recommend to others?

The house, built in the early 1900s, was outdated and required major renovations.

You’re not required to rent to someone just because they look great on paper, but you should ensure that your reasons for declining them are grounded in business-related concerns (e.g., concerns over rental history or ability to care for the property, if documented).A good practice is to follow a consistent screening process for all applicants. 

Should you decide to shift your requirement focus the above suggestions would be a good place to start.

Depending on what the issues are with the credit scores I might consider lowering my credit requirements.

Building back utilities can increase your income, but it requires careful planning and execution."

So I require skin in the game (average is 5% to 15%) to offset this.

Yes some things will require the personal touch.

This would obviously require you partnering with an investor that you trust.