But I wanted to ask all of you what your inventive ideas are in times with increasing rates.Thanks!

In the past I did so, but as rents expired I've increased rents over the past couple of years. 

BP pod cast #185:How “Rent-to-Own” Can Increase Cash Flow and Maximize Equity with Bill Powers https://www.biggerpockets.com/renewsblog/2016/07/2...Might be what you are looking for.

But other than increasing the amount you collect up front and having parents co-sign I don't really see any other option besides court.

While a solid investment, I can't believe that prices will increase much more.Lowell and Lawrence are around $500,000 for a decent 3 family and rent at about $1500 each unit. 

It takes a little time to contact them, find out if they want to stay, provide written notice of the rent increase, produce the document and then actually stay on them to get it signed.   

I get it, minimal spend for maximum appraisal.Should I be working with my own appraiser to target exactly what we should do to increase the value.

If your plan is to have renters, generally once they are in place and paying rent, 75% the rent they pay will goes towards debt repayment (which is a good thing and increases your likelihood of getting financing.)

Productivity per worker is increasing at exponential rates.

Do I try to gradually get him to $700 a month with a 3-5% increase each year?