I generally don't want to know what is going on in my tenants lives, and I've never encouraged 'rapport' with them or any type of personal relationship (even when I was living next door to some).

Thank you so much for the encouragement!! 

@Henri Meli  thanks for the encouragement. 

@Will Barnard  what I just cringe about now is this new book on BP encouraging folks to do long distance flipping.or long distance rehab to cut out the local rehabber.. 

It is easier to show it to everyone and encourage everyone to apply to not be accused of leading or discriminating.You can also set up appointments open house style where you are there only a certain time and they overlap, because you will run into no-shows.We show all interested folks the place and offer an application. 

I strongly encourage you to seek out a real estate attorney to assist you with keeping in compliance with the RTLO.

I would look into a wifi thermostat and encourage tenant to look into Amazon Key.

Should I worry that there will be a lot of competition on the rental side or be encouraged that a lot of people rent in this area?

That's very encouraging to hear.

I encourage you to stick to your plans.