They should be more understanding and willing to pay closer to market rent if they are able to afford it.

Happy to have a further conversation if I can be of any help to you in your plans and options.  

When we get leads I send my cash buyer to the property and tell him "do what you want, I want a $50K assignment fee), they make the offer, sign the contract close, and they pay me my fee!

The reason I say this is to lead into the answer from your question. 

 Cleveland OH offers to pay for half of the sidewalk and apron replacement.   

If some of these owners decide to sell there may be more opportunities to buy properties at lower prices over the next year.  

Ryann McNeil - would like to connect with you about the Cahokia Heights market.

You're not spending the money, you're making an investment. 

I am just about to close on my first rental here in January.

This made the overall appearance of the property much better and allowed us to re-sell for a profit.