As far as down payment help--gifts from family, partnerships, $7500 first time homebuyer credit, and using seller's security deposit as downpayment hack are all potential outlets.

What kind of marketing: social media, local papers, networking meetings? 

I know the importance of being able to be found on social media platforms and all but what are some other clever marketing strategies you all are implementing to attract passive investors?

You just need to know how to use social media to your advantage.

Don't bother retaining a lawyer unless they take you to court.Just send them a letter indicating that since they defaulted on the lease they forfeit the deposit (use what ever wording applies to your state regulations).My thinking is different - spend 5 minutes on the phone with an attorney and make sure you wont be heading to court :)  Guess another reason I don't fight over small amounts (one month of rent) is that I don't want them randomly damaging the property, stopping over at my house, or complaining all over social media how I wronged them.  

If you have knob and tube I would assume all outlets are without ground, so if you find a 3 print outlet I would test it and replace with either a GFCI outlet or a two prong outlet.

I bought this house when i was 23, and the first night i owned it, i sat down in the hallway and cried because I thought I made the biggest mistake of my life. 3/1 ARM, A/C venting from wall outlets, terrible kitchen, etc.Today, this is one of my best performing properties in Oklahoma and has appreciated in value by $40k.

*If those don't appeal, you could get an NPR interview, FaceBook live the gross violation of your rights, add the video to YouTube, get it to go viral, find an attorney to work pro bono for the media exposure, create a GoFundMe page to subsidize your days off needed to run the Movement, and eventually he'll come over and talk to you  ;)*sarcasm

For the pipes that have to remain under the crawlspace I wrapped in heat tape and installed a switch that can turn that outlet off from inside the house. 

I’ll also post a picture, social media link, etc. if you’d like.