Anyone have any insight on companies/individuals who rent properties for this purpose?

It's best to start in your own backyard, but if your immediate area has less than 400,000 residents, then consider going to a virtual market- Connect with as many agents, contractors, property managers, attorneys, and title companies as you can.

I agree with @Trenton Lukenbill that maybe it's time to start thinking about the next property management company.

I would also throw in Facebook, and spring the extra money for the promotion.

In all seriousness they are a customer service company that just so happens to be in real estate.

It is a growing area that is right on Highway 32 so it is continuing to have new businesses and companies moving into the area.

Once the pressure is gone and the knowledge comes around, we wouldn't mind taking on a bigger complex, or possibly owning our own property management company. 

Asking the sellers to repair the whole roof is quite common, sometimes their insurance company will repair it for them!

Or what software/company do you use to obtain background checks on your tenants ?

To be honest the profit from real estate sometimes way higher than the salary while you're on your 'stuck company' during h1/greencard process.