Just make sure the repairs aren't too bad.

I would also look into refinancing them through a smaller regional bank in your area that keep their loans in-house and aren't dealing with Fannie/Freddie.

Making SFH rentals work anywhere in South Jersey that aren't really rough neighborhoods, is tough because of how high the property taxes are.

Reliability I doubt any contractor would say they aren't however I have references and several projects at various stages to back up my expertise.

:o) But the Hedge funds typically aren't touching the old distressed ones that need work... at least with what I've seen so far. 

You also get what you pay for, but if you aren't looking for a super performing site, more of just a place to reference, then they would be worth it.I use Bluehost for my personal sites, and I don't love them.

So go to REIA meetings, find a realtor and ask them if they know investor friendly realtors if they aren't (my realtor turned out to be an investor as well).

When you talk to them, I always like to say "I know you aren't actively selling but I could offer you up to $xxx."

I'd say that if they aren't demanding it in the resale you might be safe to proceed.

This one might startle the agent as they aren’t used to people asking them to prove their statements!