The previous owner didn't supply appliances, but I will. 

I did not handle that side, we partnered with a contractor who got the hardmoney loan , the ivestors supplied the needed down and rehab money.

. -- to see which metrics actually tracked with rising rents.The metrics that track most with rising rents are:Tightening Supply (as measured by persons per unit)Median Household Income GrowthJob GrowthPopulation GrowthSo, while the common knowledge is to chase population growth, the real answer is to chase limited supply and rising incomes.

He supplied the funds to do a cash offer, so the properties are under his name.

I have found an article stating that occupants in a bedroom must have ample room (I.e. 70 sq ft for the first occupant and 50 sq ft for every additional) so theoretically if an apartment had a massive bedroom any number of people could live there.

Money is in high supply.

With low LTV, counter-party risk minimized by Sec 8 as payee and reserve account allowing ample time to release / address turnover, this is a proven strategy. 

If about six weeks have passed and you are just waiting for the Writ of Possession to be filed in court, then that may not be so bad actually.The next time around, and with the link @Kyle J. has supplied, you can go through most of the process yourself (especially now that you have some experience with it) if you wish.

But my local supply is limited.

On the plus side, the rapid growth and lack of supply is pushing up rents and pushing up prices.