It could just be bad luck or improper tenant screening.  

Then BOOM, the HVAC unit goes out week two of a tenant's lease, and has to be replaced quickly.

The tenant left with a not so clean house. 

Guests can become tenants pretty easily.

Most landlords don’t go looking for a property manager until they’re dealing with an issue—tenant headaches, late rent, maintenance problems—so your marketing should focus on providing solutions, not just listing your services.Marketing Strategy: Combined or Separate?

My management company has recommended sending in their own contractor to make repairs as the tenant has concerns about mold growth. 

@Daniel GrantzRecommend you first figure out the property Class you want to invest in, THEN figure out the corresponding location to invest in.Property Class will typically dictate the Class of tenant you get, which greatly IMPACTS rental income stability and property maintenance/damage by tenants.If you apply Class A assumptions to a Class B or C purchase, your expectations won’t be met and it may be a financial disaster.If you buy/renovate a property in Class D area to Class A standards, what quality of tenant will you get?

Not sure if this is allowed but I have several pocket listings in Huntsville with tenants in place.

$1,500-$1,600 is about the going rate for a 2/2 in most average areas of BR, but I can see where some neighborhoods would get more.Another thing to think about - if the property is sitting vacant right now and you have ready and willing (and qualified) tenants, then the opportunity cost of waiting an extra month or two is $1,550/month.

Only one tenant smokes and it fills the other units quickly.