Most institutional DSCR lenders prefer one lease per property/unit, however, I've seen programs allowing rent by room strategies.

Do you have a service or website you prefer to handle direct mail?

In some older neighborhoods especially historic districts, the tenants look for older houses - they preferred the art deco bathroom tiles, the thick plaster & lath walls over granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.but class D neighborhoods are easiest to tell. 

I would prefer to have my investments close to where I live.

The question is mostly a personal financial planning question and it depends on your preference and what balance of risk and access you'd like and would be comfortable with.

Do you have a preferred type of property and price range you're looking for in general (knowing the costs can be different based on they market)?

The software accomplishes what is needed individually, but I prefer a "one-stop shop" solution. 

My number 1 tip would be to go off market and find owner that wants to sell at a discount / prefers speed and convenience. 

Sharma, From my perspective I prefer to run my own fix and flips.

IF you plan on going back someday, and this is the home you want to move back to, then renting it would be a good idea as long as you estimate that it will cover itself, or preferably, cash flow, which it appears that yours will at @ $2K or so per month (after expenses).