However, the rapid rise in housing costs is dramatically impacting people who live and work in Worcester, pushing them farther west and south in search of more affordable options to buy or rent.

The issue I found when visiting these places is that the nicer suburbs are not much cheaper than some of the cheaper areas of California (many single families are in the high $200,000's/low $300,000's so the draw is not as enticing if I can purchase something in my state for a similar price). 

Then move on.Go to Google and search for "adverse action notice" and you'll find plenty of examples like the one below.

I recommend you connect with an investor/ investor focused realtor that can assist you with your search and share the right resources with you to help get you going in the right direction.

I can't tell from your post if your search is strictly based on listed properties. 

We're finding houses for buyer not buyers for houses" finding buyers first eliminates most of the guess work and you can hear your property search toward what your buyers actually want rather than tying a property up under a contract and then finding a seller that may or may not be interested in your deal cuz it may or may not be apart of their criteria.Sorry for the overly winded comment.

This is a very smart idea as it is the number one searched filter on Airbnb.

I will take what you said into consideration and complete the screening with them.I hope they are a great fit but if not then will continue the search for a new tenant.Have a great rest of your night!

I think even existing PM companies in my area are always in search of a good cleaner. 

Hiring a bookkeeper to watch the income/expenses is like hiring a gardener to tell you how many roof shingles are laying on the ground after a wind storm instead of hiring a roofer to repair the roof.I recommend that you look for a quality property manager who can maintain the properties and help with the bookkeeping.Start by going to www.narpm.org to search their directory of managers.