Your instinct to speak directly to the PM and not through your realtor is spot on.

Upgrading FloorsReplacing old carpets with hardwood, luxury vinyl plank (LVP), or tile flooring adds a modern touch and boosts ARV.

On the RE side - I own/developed 2,000 residential units across the United States focusing on opportunistic residential acquisitions and development, including student housing conversions and luxury multifamily development.On the startup side - it is a third-party guarantor platform that expands your renter pool, increases rents and occupancy, and ultimately boosts your NOI while broadening affordable housing options for renters.

Thinking you can identify scammers by speaking to them or reading reviews is naïve.

You can find something in Durham and parts of Raleigh, specifically zips 27610, 27603, and parts of 27604 that would meet your criteria, however generally speaking most of the inventory that would fit what you are looking for in Raleigh or Durham would likely be in neighborhoods that I personally wouldn't want to invest in, C- to D type neighborhoods.

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

@Michael Ewersi can only speak for what i've done as i suspect it varies by market. 

Hello Alexandra, it was a pleasure speaking with you yesterday.

I am in the Charlotte market and surrounding, and I do everything from luxury $950k-$2MM to starter homes from $250k to $300k and townhome sites.

I recommend speaking with @Denver McClure to see what is available given your situation.