What sort of trends/patterns are they following in order to make that decision?

I am getting serious to get into patterning up with some investors like you had suggested. 

I think Indiana has a lot of positives but also several negatives like crime rates, schools, traffic patterns and employment opportunities.

I noticed that plumbers were mentioned as fitting this pattern by another poster - maybe that's because they're still getting paid too much?

The houses all have the same pattern it seems with flooring needed to be replaced, painting in and out, yard clean up, and usually some mechanical repairs such as toilets and kitchen faucets replaced, etc.This 6k to 10k fix up cost is pretty predictable and how much we paid for the house doesn't seem to have much impact.

Some people say white sheets are best, but I actually prefer colored/patterned sheets for a touch of personality.

I would do monthly inspections until a clear pattern of responsible behavior is established, and keep new tenants on month to month (or even week to week) rental agreements. 

Typically ballpark 50 basis points will buy the rate down by 1/8 (sometimes it's 40, sometimes it's 80, it would take a Ph.D to explain why there's no pattern), so 100 basis points would get your lower closing cost guy to match the lower rate guy.100 basis points on a $130k loan is about $1300. 

I third @Chris Mason...noticing a pattern here?

It probably depends on your area and patterns, so you might want to touch base with a local realtor.