I guess my challenge right now is to define the strategy and balance all the factors, such as job and population growth (value increase), cashflow (demand & supply market, interest rate, property tax, maintenance cost), and risk control (insurance etc). 

If you do outsource, some management companies will cover various things like cleaning, supplies, etc. so look into that as well. 

Do you think supply with surpass demand?

https://www.har.com/content/department/mlsHouston Real Estate Highlights in November, 2024:-Single-family home sales increased 6.0 percent year-over-year;-Days on Market (DOM) for single-family homes went from 48 to 52 days;-Total property sales were up 3.3 percent with 7,750 units sold;-Total dollar volume rose 11.1 percent to $3.1 billion;-The single-family median price was up 1.5 percent to $329,900;-The single-family average price climbed 4.1 percent to $418,903; -Single-family home months of inventory registered a 4.4-months supply, up from 3.5 months last November.

I was honestly shocked and horrified when you didn't just say something like "Yeah, Scott, I own the frigging building - I raised the capital, formed the entity, am responsible for operations, and plan to deliver the best investor experience (and great returns) that I am capable of for the investors who I've partnered with."

Looks like the fence fell down at the end.For a weekend of work and a few hundred in supplies, I think you could make the place look much more appealable. 

Basically, the demand is much weaker than the supply. 

we invest in non performing mortgages (and do some short term RTL's), and the indicators we look at are our inventory supply and where is the inventory.

Take that away by making it clear you will pay for, even supply, all materials. 

Anywhere that has consistent or slightly growing population and a decent job supply may be a good fit.