I'll pile on with the same sentiment... the objectives you consider for satisfying your requirements for a personal residence will typically be wildly different than the ones you consider for an investment property.

If there is something that will be an objection to most buyers, the time on market will be longer.

I was told by one expert that if the state authorities object to it, then stop doing this.

For locks, I buy the same cheapie sets at lowes and a general brand battery powered engraver.I have a sequential four digit number scribed on the keys and locks.After a tenant moves out, I replace the locks with the last set I removed from the previous move-out.I make sure every lock at that property has the same key.I have a spreadsheet accessible on my phone with the 4 digit number and the address (using just the street number, nut the name just in case it gets in the wrong hands)for me its cheaper/easier than re-keying.

So next best option right now is to lower the rent $50 and keep it out there.It's a dirt cheap two digit number to file small claims here and I live a few blocks from the courthouse, but I imagine it's still a huge pain.

Not sure about renters who occupy the property.Actually in Louisiana you are required to give notice to the owners and may contact them more, if your objective is to get them to redeem the property.

My financial objective is to have maximum income and a chance at capital appreciation.

Most will object, and you could just inform them that it assists you in analyzing the property, and if they aren't willing to provide it, you understand

The answer to your question about strategy would need to be informed by your financial objectives but a buy and hold rental strategy would take little time after the initial set up while the other strategies like rehabbing would require more intense activity on your part on an ongoing basis.

If you want a more objective opinion on the purchase, an attorney would be able to give that to you.