Improve the location and appreciation potential. 

If you believe you can carry this place, without a negative carry, make any necessary repairs and can make changes to improve the rents...

I manage my own properties as do my clients; with the electronic resources for screening, rent collection, more - the ROI is greatly improved and you retain control of the property.Hope this helps.

Improvements on property you own do not qualify.2.

What I do see is that a strong screening process improves your chances of getting a responsible resident. 

You also have to be super detail-oriented, focused on continuous improvement regarding the property and guest experience, very in-touch with what it's like to be a guest at the property (and a cleaner of it as well), and focused on technological tools and opportunities. 

Basic staging with an agent usually means they give you insight into how you should:Declutter and depersonalize by removing photos and personal itemsArrange your furniture to improve the room’s flow and make it feel biggerAdd plants, move art, or re-arrange other accessoriesFull-service staging is another option if your house needs more hands-on attention.

@Nate Pucel The depreciation basis for a rental property includes the purchase price plus the cost of renovations and improvements that add value or extend the property's life.

You gotta improve your value a few notches I think to justify 50%.

Separately from all of that - I recommend reviewing your lease up procedures to improve verification of signing tenants and their agreement and aware of terms and conditions.