A roof, HVAC, and foundation on a $80k house cost the same as a roof on a 250k house (assuming a similar size but better location) with a similar PITI to rent spread.

They employ 3rd-party people to handle your property and rarely have a second set of eyes checking for underlying problems.

Do you  mind me asking what the size, and bd/ba, of your place is?

IMHOThere are more international students staying, I've seen it where I work (at a university), but many of the newcomers are not students and a country our size can't handle that many people in a relatively short period of time. 

Even with house hacking with a lower down payment (which I am not sure would work if I get a studio size condo), I would still need to pay more out of pocket than what I would pay renting (I can get rent by splitting a studio with a friend for about $1200/month).

I introduced them to a mid-sized brokerage in the area (from what I’ve heard, they’re picking up steam) who specialized in finding off-market opportunities that don’t get plastered all over Zillow.

The size of your rental operation is one of the factors in this determination. 

I'm looking locally to start out (mid size city in North Carolina) - is the answer a different market?

Highlight nearby conveniences and any neighborhood growth to attract interest.Focus on framing the size as a bonus that buyers get more space and value for their money compared to smaller homes.

I recall reading somewhere Memphis had the highest vacancy rate for a city that size in the nation.