My plan is to stay under $350000, but would feel more comfortable around $200000.I do not want and do not have time to hassle with with renters, so would like to have it in areas where renters are more reliable.

Not a lot of decent solutions, currently working on one myself.

What is difficult, is getting enough experience when starting out to be a reliable asset to your clients...  

This model offers significant advantages to the industry in improved online listing accuracy, a single platform for MLSs and their largest brokerages and franchise members, and streamlined service for the publishers who strive to serve the industry through marketing websites and other software solutions."

in my area, landscapers charge a minimum of $100 per month to mow a lawn. I have skirted this by telling my tenants that in order to keep rent down, I ask that they mow the lawn and I provide them with a mower if need...

,nice job.Whatever you did to find those contacts/friends in the trades, make sure you keep doing.good/reliable people are hard to find.Nice choice of colors and materials.

Ask them to come up with a solution. 

There is no reliable way other that to look at an owners mortgage statement. 

Nick,Success is generated when you create a team of reliable people.

If this is so, a property manager is a good solution for all these.