The amount of downpayment requirement insures buyers having "skin in the game". 

What I’ve found to be a game-changer is building anticipation before a vacancy even happens.

I preferred couples rather than families due to liability and damage.

@Jake Baker Love the approach of measuring the total offers that you send, if you know your strategy most of the time it is a numbers game no matter the condition of the market. 

Just keep in mind the process can take a little longer since you’d need to work with contractors and follow FHA’s requirements.4.Your End Game: Whether you’re planning to stay long-term, rent it out, or sell once the work is done, it’s important to have your exit strategy mapped out.

2) Many flat fee PMC's charge whether property vacant or occupied, tenant paying or not.Lots of games also played with Maintenance fees.

She will probably game the system for the next 6-12 months, but that's what you get buying a property with a non-paying tenant in place, in an anti-landlord city. 

I would prefer a check myself.

The rental demand in the area has been consistent, and duplexes offer the flexibility of house hacking or scaling into multi-family investing over time.With your experience in construction and remodeling, you’re already ahead of the game—fix-and-flips or BRRRR projects in Kansas City could be a perfect fit for you. 

:Question: Why is preferred to use a warranty deed, instead of a quit claim deed?