You can refuse to pay them until their quality is up to snuff where as if you hire your own guy you have to pay them regardless or you can be facing problems with the local labor board. 

You might also be able to employ a short term rental strategy to increase cashflow-- sporting events, conferences, homecomings, graduation, etc. always attract people to the area.Ask around and try to find people who are investing in Amherst/Northampton and connect with agents in the area to see what's working.

Go to BUILD YOUR TEAM at the top of your screen, and you can search for other MEMBERS or LOCAL MEETUPS.

I would check with local experts before making a decision.

Use your local Property Tax GIS website to get further info. 

@Alan F.Every market will react differently depending on the the supply an demand and the economic drivers in that local economy.

If you don't already have cash buyers in the area (I am one myself) I would recommend joining facebook groups and going to local meetups to start networking with buyers.

In my locality, persons are recruited to serve as testers for landlord racial discrimination by the local Fair Housing enforcement agency.

Has anyone used an affiliate marketing strategy to refresh their property, create unique experiences and provide local products to their guests? 

If subject-to solves their problem you will likely get it accepted.Find a local RE attorney that does subject-to contracts and have a chat with him.