Once you narrow it down, start with small jobs to test their reliability and quality before giving them bigger projects.Building a solid network takes time, but having dependable people on call is a lifesaver for your rentals.

I highly suggest working with an investor friendly agent so you don't buy in the wrong locations.I like the west side of Cleveland.

The interior was made up of high efficiency HVAC systems, contemporary lighting, and electric water heaters.

Are there other ways to avoid the high tax on these gains? 

and you will have many many applicants assuming the quality of the rental and the rents requested.  

If someone isn’t willing to provide ID, they are not a serious applicant and possibly a scammer, so it’s a good screening tool to weed out the tire-kickers and sketch balls.

Focusing solely on numbers often leads to the purchase of low-quality properties.

Is this price differential largely a matter of how high-end you make the finishes?

@Daniel Green some good suggestions and really high performers on this thread, you are in good hands. 

And we have the tools for cheap to capture carbon......