I say "could," because in the long haul, rents stay pretty steady or go up - but a huge wealth creator leaving a smaller area could have an effect.  

Or try to find a financial partner for the long haul?

I've also been toying with the idea of taking a large-ish personal loan to pay for the holding costs for whatever option we choose.

Permits, labor, hauling remains, etc. 

Mind the budget and schedule... be cautious about overbuilding based on the rental market there... if planning to hold for the long haul, build for the long haul.

The problem with turn keys you are in it for the long haul until appreciation overcomes your purchase price which would not lend itself to a quick exit strategy It is like buying a six month CD vs a 5 year CD if you have to cash out the 5 year CD  early you will pay a penalty ,so make sure you can afford to take a loss if you need to sell the property 

The low ballers really don't know what to do or how to do it, they simply cast a net and haul in what ever bites, that's not real estate it's predatory hunting.  

@Shannon Toye  I have a small 26 unit storage facility in Hershey PA.  

If you are REALLY in it for the long haul you will usually see good rent appreciation as well and in many years you could have cash cows.

Most investor that I know that purchase single family homes buy based on appreciation for the long haul, 20 years or so and depreciation on thier tax forms to figure thier ROI.