Take pics of all the junk (I mean high class heirlooms, which is what you'll say in the ad) and put it on craigslist asking for offers.

If you’re looking for a straightforward, hassle-free option, I highly recommend checking them out!

We are NOT a fit for low quality assets such as C/D or uber high input such as sec8 or mid/large MFH.

Years ago I spent many months working in Indianapolis and staying at the Canal Street apartments. 

For example, should we focus on acquiring one high-quality property in a strong market, or would it make more sense to spread the investment across multiple lower-cost units in emerging areas?

During the peak season you have to make your money when the slow season is so much less.I do have events where the prices are expected to be high due to supply and demand.I do see some of the dynamic pricing days as being rediculous and your going to miss out on the early bookers looking for a fair price.

that we’ve learned in our 24 years, managing almost 700 doors across the Metro Detroit area, including almost 100 S8 leases:Class A Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, 3-5 years for positive cashflow, but you get highest relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% the more recent norm.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 680+ (roughly 5% probability of default), zero evictions in last 7 years.Class B Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, decent amount of relative rent & value appreciation.Vacancy Est: Historically 10%, 5% should be applied only if proper research done to support.Tenant Pool: Majority will have FICO scores of 620-680 (around 10% probability of default), some blemishes, but should have no evictions in last 5 yearsClass C Properties:Cashflow vs Appreciation: Typically, high cashflow and at the lower end of relative rent & value appreciation.

we just managed to get ong to run all new lines and separate meters for our whole apartment complex at no cost to us. 

Talk to your attorney, and if you dont have one, get one - as @Ken M. said, this is highly specific to the state and the circumstances.

And DIY repairs are not recommended for other reasons: it will take you much longer to complete, depriving you of rental income, and you run a high risk of your wife becoming your ex-wife.Same risk exists if you push your wife into becoming a Realtor or some other real estate activity just for the sake of tax benefits.