I'm so sorry this happened to you and great suggestion on adding a paragraph to the lease.  

With $27000 reno cost and an added $225/mo how long is that to break even?

PropStream has now added something similar to D4D on their app

Then I consider letters of reference, cosigners, and added security deposit in order to meet approval. 

Tom, Based on what you've provided, if the property was held over one year, you'd be subject to the long term capital gains rates and any depreciation that you took on the property in the past would have to be "recaptured" (Added to your income) at the short term tax rates (but it will not exceed 25%). 

If your unit doesn't stand out in other ways considering adding amenities like a hot tub, backyard mini golf course, making your airbnb dog friendly, etc.

A professional property manager should handle the heavy lifting, ensuring your investment is protected and profitable without adding stress to your plate.

In general these are either growth markets or markets short housing that has significant hurdles to adding additional housing. 

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.

@Sean GammonsConsider adding a partner for the second deal to share the down payment and mortgage responsibility, keeping DTI manageable.