If the rents and upkeep are really as unreasonable as you claim there should be other cheaper and better solutions nearby. 

A thermostat is an on off switch , simple solution , add a second one somewhere in the unit ( make it look like a smoke detector) Set it to override the first thermostat ...In my second house I had roommates , I had 2 thermostats , 1 in my bedroom that controlled the HVAC , another in the living room that wasn't hooked to anything just for the roommates to adjust .

What are the biggest challenges people have faced with this. Also how do I make sure to get good tenants?

I feel this gives me the flexibility to find the right solution for my client and not just sell what my bank offers.I'll also throw in my 2 cents on common differences I've seen in my career:CDFIs - Because of their subsidized financing structure, they have the ability to be a low cost lender (and sometimes provide grants).

Combine that with America’s housing shortage, and the solution becomes clear:We need to build more homes that align with what buyers can afford.

Can anyone recommend good companies to root cause  and implement solution to fix this issue?

Give it your best pitch, cause we all know no strike or strike-- you're going to face the reckoning.Fast solutions have slow problems.

@Jonathan Chan I have a solution for your problem.

This used to be a near-impossible task for a company like BiggerPockets, but technology and 3rd party solutions are getting better.

A lot of universities have students that need mid term housing due to graduation dates, mini semester programs, etc. and I've found if you approach them and offer them a solution to this problem, they are willing to work with you and help send business your way.