I guess what I'm looking for is a realtor, leasing agent/manager or maybe even interior designer, to look at the units (online or in person, whatever is easier) with a fresh set of professional eyes, to tell me if something is wrong with the units....or my leasing team.

Marissa,By allowing pets you increase the potential pool of tenants.We allow (with limitations, no vicious breeds) pets.Get a non refundable "pet Deposit" and charge monthly "pet rent, or just increase the base rent amount.Pet lovers don't bat an eye at these charges and they tend to stay longer in my  experience.

I guess the degree of speculation is in the eye of the beholder.

No--the powers that be have turned a blind eye for 3 years now.

Keep your eyes peeled by an announcement.

the investor exclaimed eyeing the fish, "Do you realize how many fish you could catch if you stayed out a little longer?  

It made my eyes water.

For example, I'm eying a 3 unit multifamily that costs $995,000 but the best rent it will bring in in is $6200 (I know this b/c I study the neighborhood & have 3 rental units a few blocks away).  

In many ways, @William Murrell , I do feel the same way as you and @Lance Johnson , no doubt there are risks and potential long term issues if not approached correctly, with eyes wide open.I had a long talk with a colleague leading up to my interaction with one homeowner with MH issues and he was really great about clarifying the importance of bringing in other competent family members or community support into the picture from the get go.

About 8 or 9 families bought up shells on Linden with an eye towards renovating them, and some of the renovations were fantastic.