I don't see how these are alternatives strategies for one another. 

Alternatively, I can't help but be a little hopeful that 3 families saved their homes. :)  I did quite a bit of research on each property and any one of them would have been a good BRRRR according to the "numbers."

There's many alternatives to start growing your portfolio.

I think the lease states I have to give them 24hr notice if I want to enter.5.) what alternatives are available for hardwood floors, for middle/high end rental property?

Or alternatively, is there a way to have a reduced price if there are more than 2 adults in one application? 

Maybe, but there is a risk versus reward trade off and you’d be taking on the unknown risk when the alternative is a guaranteed reward.  

I would also recommend looking into an alternative route (i.e. seller financing, partnering, sandwich lease, etc.).

Not all will refer "competitors" but many do and will when asked for alternatives. 

Those are alternative facts but I digress.

The alternative would be using their home (which they don't have the space for, or it's too loud because of their kids and barking dogs, or there's no parking, etc.).