Signs of this are poor lease quality, maybe M2M tenants, high expenses (unnecessary things like high trash bills, internet, cleaning, security).

.$49 Ring Video Doorbell - https://www.amazon.com/Ring-Video-Doorbell-Venetian-Bronze-2...Kinda the standard for basic video/audio. $59.99 Keurig K-Mini single serve coffee maker - https://www.amazon.com/Keurig-K-Mini-Single-Serve-Coffee/dp/...Great for a second coffee space.

Strong property management and careful tenant placement also play a critical role in success here, so I recommend partnering with a turnkey company or an agent who specializes in these areas to make the process smoother.As for rental demand, homes that sit for extended periods are often the result of issues like pricing, condition, or tenant quality—not necessarily a reflection of the market as a whole.

Sponsor quality far surpasses the "deal", assuming a qualifying criteria for a "good sponsor" is that they don't buy crappy real estate deals to begin with.Having said that, if a great sponsor is offering a deal you don't like for some reason, don't invest in it--just wait for the next one. 

Joe Asamoah who focuses on quality homes and solid tenants.

I find pricing tools lumping me in with all 2/2 regardless of quality of finishes and location (I’m beachfront others are not).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Recommend 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?

Better to have your own property manager use trusted handymen to take care of the issues for long term/quality fixes. 

What is the best way to find good general contractors (reasonably priced, delivers on time, committed to quality) ?

I will figure out what to do with it when I get to $20M, but it will probably just be finding new ways to improve built environment along with travelling more and spending more quality time with fam.