I live in the area and used Sam Labbe for my last two transactions. 

@Sam Martin I except the same thing in my market just a few investors good news is he knows many of the investors so buyers list is already assembled!

Personally, I would have passed because I do not want to have that much capital and credit tied up for as long as it's probably going to take.  5% below what you paid, you have to wait for at least 13% appreciation before you can sell to break even.  5% to get back to zero + 6% to realtors + another 1-2% in other misc fees and charges sellers usually get hit with, and dont forget Uncle Sam's cut.  

Sam Harper ...

The second is my mis-remembering of something Sam said to Frodo when Frodo was ready to give up when they were trying to get to Mt.

Uncle Sam won't let you deduct full retail but it can easily be a hundred bucks per appliance or more and you are helping good causes.

Sam Walton managed his first store in 1945, opened the first Walmart in 1962, grew like crazy in the 80's and became top retailer in 1990.

@Sam Craven I have considered using a mortgage broker but I'm not sure if that would be a better approach rather than building a relationship with a local bank/credit union.

Sam,A bankruptcy does not stop a foreclosure it will only prolong it for a short time.

A security light in the parking area; a clean laundry area; new mailboxes ... all speak to your interest in the tenants and, over the long-term, will pay for themselves many times over in lower churn and reduced expenses.There are plenty of others ideas, but these are the ones that come to mind right now.Good luck,Sam