In my area cap rates are getting better because there is less competition, lower prices and rents are still the same/rising. 

Why did you go with Monday over the competition?  

Sounds like you have thought out a lot of this, but maybe also hold a competition with a cash prize at your closest architectural and design school.Can you build it cheaper than someone like this?  

You need to be aggressive with your pricing to compete for the few available renters.I recommend dropping our price to $1,750 and offering a month-to-month lease or six-month lease.

I would suggest shopping it around a little more until you find a lender that offers reasonable terms and has a positive reputation.

You will need to compare your unit to the competition.

Are you offering any special programs, incentives, or advice to help them close out the year successfully? 

I've never had a client not be able to get a great competitive premium on a property here and we've bought all kinds of property. 

So I offered to pay for the flight, if they returned a clean and empty house.

Quote from @David Martoyan: You will always have a high amount of competition for real estate and real estate investors.