If you plan to hold long term, you should plan to gradually increase.

Comparable comps had it as high as $350 so we started at $339 and have been dropping the price gradually.

Since you've already got a lot of the up-front expenses taken care of (e.g. furniture), you can always do my phase-in plan in reverse if necessary... start with them all as STRs, and if for whatever reason in the future you no longer want all 5 of them, you can gradually phase into LTRs (or mid-term stays like @Michael Nelson suggested).  

If you plan to market 2, 3, 4 months, then you need to gradually reduce the asking price accordingly. 

HelloI'm looking to assemble a team for purchasing and managing rentals in Charlotte, and would greatly appreciate referrals for realtors, property management etc that you've had good experience with.I'm planning to start with 1 SFH, and then gradually build a portfolio.

Also, through section 8, you can gradually increase rent.

I prefer this method for a couple of reasons 1) you're not fully committing and going out into the investment world on a whim. 2) you can gradually build up to this plan i.e. you'll first rent out the place, then once you realize how much you're cash-flowing you can proceed with the refinance, then you can look for your next like deal and make this plan come together. 3) you already have one property why let it go if you can cash flow. 4) if all else fails, you can still sell. 5) You start right off the bat by being able to buy another home in 2 years and faster and faster with each and every additional home you buy. 

There is no layoff but local economy will take a hit gradually. 

You should be able to find a good PM for 10% and gradually increase rents.

We raised the rent each month for six months to get it gradually to market rent, and immediately did some improvements to make it actually be worth market.