I'm an investor in the area as well, and help my clients invest here too!

Overall, it's a mostly all brick, historical older community that used to be well managed in the 90s.

Their Hartford quote is also well above the price my own agent had gotten me from Hartford and at least initially appears to be identical coverage.  

If separate entrances are not already in place, consider installing them, as well as soundproofing, to reduce noise between units and increase tenant comfort.

Im from Seattle as well and the main company is from San Fran so I had to plug my nose and still do business with a company based in that garbage town...

- Are there areas that would work well as a mid-term or short-term rental in addition to long-term?

Obviously mounted up high in a readily visible spot "trail cams" work just as well (as a possible visual deterrent), very cheap online. 

The S.O.T.A program works well, and is a good option to get a tough to rent vacancy filled if you invest in a low income area.The process of getting the deal done with them is pretty simple but pack your patience though if you get a bad case worker, you'll need it.

I don't doubt that it is true for some people, but I think sometimes people just repeat it because that's what's in their head, without actually tracking it.I think part of it is market dependent as well. 

Just typing that makes me amazed I turned out as well as I have), I believe I am qualified to speak on the matter.