The prices seems good (I hear a lot of people saying its over-valued but when comparing to CA prices, it seems much better and affordable). 

Begin the process about 6 weeks prior.

Design a uniform Request For Quote (RFQ) worksheet so the contractors can compare apples to apples.   

Did you already compare it to actual comps (sold properties in the last 6 months?)

Show them what comparable homes are going for and that your price is below market.

Traveling to SE from NYC is inexpensive compare to Midwest or West coast. 

If the tenants destroy the property, then they could loose their benefit (at list that's what the Sec 8 office told me I never experienced it) Also Landlords are allowed to give surprised visit to applicant's current resident prior to approval and if the property is kept in bad shape or they don't allow you to enter and inspect, then you can decline the application.

It appears that short-term corporate rentals (i.e. at least 30 days, but no more than 3-4 months) tend to have higher returns (principally in terms of monthly cash flow) when compared to traditional long-term residential rentals.

However, again managing my father's 4plex has been.... very, very easy compared to what I hear on these forums.

Prior to considering to add any appliances, you need to do some research as to who is a potential tenant for this property?