Im wondering if other markets might be better, with somewhat newer houses and higher quality tenants?

If you really want to get rid of them, sweeten the pot by offering to return their deposit after you verify the unit is empty with no damages. 

I subscribe to PropStream and Flipster and was wondering if either of these sites you use or you prefer a different program to find distressed properties and generate lead lists?

I wonder if we all at some point revert back to LTR.

Gifting equity in a house may be more trouble than it is worth if you are not near the life-time exclusion1) Potentially having to get the property appraised everytime an equity is gifted2) Having a title company update the title every time3) Exemption of the gift tax return is normally for cash gifts below the annual gift tax exclusion, you may still need to file if you gift non-cash4) If there is partial ownership over several years, having to properly pro-rate certain items such as real estate taxes, mortgage interest and rental income if the property is a rentalBest of luck 

Essentially all legit buyers will get an inspection.

I've been at this since 1988 and have seen them go wonderfully well and horribly wrong.

Hummmm, I wonder what changed between all those years and now all of a sudden?

Several chip factories getting built. 

I just wonder, can you commit to assuring this aspect.