Important to not take one statistic and make conclusions about the entire market.I would have to get to know these areas a lot better to understand the trade offs and dynamics.

As for the Media scare, I saw one news article touting a $100k special assesment on a HOA and when I pulled up the building the average cost of fire sale condos are $3M TO $5M and part of the special assesment was to cover new unneeded landscaping. 

Landscaping, lighting, overall appearance can impact the "first impression" of future tenants. - Are their ways to add other income streams to the building such as: washer dryers, parking, storage units, etc... - Also, spend some time before/after to drive by comparable properties in the neighborhood to understand your competition and the rents they are asking. 

Your expense ratio is higher than buying A class houses with lower cash flow.At some point you will reach a statistical average cost, but it will take way more than 8 properties.

Change the air filters, make sure sprinklers are set and watering, landscaping done, check on cracks and leaks, visually inspect roof, also checking for pets, and how many people living there. 

Lockbox installationKey duplication, meeting locksmiths, digital lock code changesMeeting cleaners, landscapers, tradespeopleProperty walk-throughs via phone and/or video conferencing Move-in and move-out inspectionsPlacing signage on propertiesPhotos and videosProperty description copy writingScheduling contractors and tradespeople for vacant propertiesStatus reports on contractor/tradespeople progressProperty drive byMail pickupDocument delivery

Jabneel - note sure on the statistics, but demand for housing voucher tenants outstrips supply of voucher accepting landlords.

Meanwhile you can do exterior, trim trees, remove shrubs, roofing first, then lawn and landscape so it has time to grow in, driveway if you need a new one last. 

Because Class C & D tenants will statistically cause more damage to a rental than Class A or B tenants.While "maintaining to the neighborhood" is a logical approach, it's often difficult to put into action.

(Finding deals, the lending landscape/rates, etc).