In our market (and to my knowledge every market) the seller is responsible for commissions and here it's typically 1 month's rent divided between the 2 agents (him, the listing agent, and the other one that brings it it.

A typical mortgage loan (20%-30% down, low interest, and 30-yr note) is available to those houses which are habitable.

Does the property manager typically manage the contractor or does that fall on the syndicator? 

I use a flat fee service, because I typically do my own staging, do my own photos, write my own descriptions, and do my own negotiations.

This is typically a pretty competitive industry, but the old adage that you get what you pay for is also appropriate here.

Worth area month-to-month is typically $100 over market rents.

If the house is not habitable (regardless of the cause), then my understanding is that the tenants do not pay rent during the time the house is not habitable.Hopefully your insurance has a Business Interruption or Rental Interruption clause that you can invoke so that the insurance company essentially pays your rent during the vacancy period.Once the house is habitable, tenants should continue their rent payments.

How difficult is it to find quality tenants (i know they will be low income typically and have some issues but hopefully you know what i mean) and how long are properties vacant typically?

Tell your neighbors to contact Code Enforcement (that is how it typically is listed in my county) to discuss this issue..Gail

They typically charge $1000 to set it up for you.