I'm really interested to learn how more experienced investors would approach this.

That is a successful approach.  

Highlighting features like “walking distance to top-rated schools” helped me attract renters even during slower months.Negotiate SmartlyWhile sticking to your legal rights is important, a pragmatic approach could save time and hassle.

Thank you for your thoughtful feedback—it’s clear that I need to clarify the distinction between my approach and the traditional perception of “cheap rent.”

When we do a shell, cost segregation is the best approach.

These I have found are real, striving parents, working their butts off to provide the best housing and school system for their children.My ethos in this approach is exactly why we at LaPlante refer to them as Residents, as we consider "Tenant and Landlord" to be dated terms and rife with negative emotion.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

Can try to reposition to Class B, but neighborhood may impede these efforts.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, but 15-20% should be used to also cover tenant nonpayment, eviction costs & damages.Tenant Pool: majority will have FICO scores of 560-620 (approaching 22% probability of default), many blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 2 years.

So same thing, if they approach you, make it seem like there is a little bit of a chase, but in the same convo say "Well maybe, yea" so that they feel like it's a conquest to get the house. 

I spent a decade in advertising, before founding and running a custom wood shop for another decade, so 'm pretty good at the self-promotion.I agree with you that the more gorilla approach would be most effective and that's actually what i've been doing – calling RE agents in my service area with active listings, introducing myself to property managers and leasing agents...To answer your question, I will have to handle the work myself for 6-12 months to build out the SOPs and field service management systems, but I have a lot of relationships for those looking to "do the work".I'll check out the meet up and would love to grab a cup of coffee, I'll shoot you an email.