Your best bet might be joining a local real estate club.  

As low as the market went for mortgages and housing shortage, the only sure bet in my opinion is housing prices will continue to rise. 

This all hinges on what you call a "rental property" is actually NOT a rental property in the tax code! 

The good news is that with the right approach, you can also achieve positive cash flow in these markets.Ultimately, success in real estate investing hinges on selecting a growing market, a desirable neighborhood, and building a strong support team.

Best bet is talk to wholesalers and have a real good agent that can dig properties out, and be prepared to buy on spot in good locations and anything else be a tough cookie.

Your best bet is to ensure that there are no material modifications that would in any way harm or even moderately delay the ability to rent it out and qualify as a normal SFR (one lease, one family) or sell on the market to an owner-occupant

Best bet is to go talk with some local banks and commercial lenders bc most likely that's not gonna fly on any kind of conventional loan.

I'll bet it is a leaky toilet flapper valve or something. 

In this situation, your best bet is to hire a PMC to take it as-is, in a current situation and rid yourself of the emotional headache.

I bet you do very well with it..