An experienced investor with capital might be able to renovate and attract higher quality of tenants.  

__________________This is what I do when I train new or experienced real estate investors:I teach them to talk to sellers 1st, then I teach them the write out of letter of intent to purchase or lease real estate.I love pretty houses that need no work that have little equity, because the sellers are stuck, and there’s 20 million low equity houses in the United States.They can’t sell with an agent because the cost to sell are 10% to 15% of the value of the house.So they can have 2 choices: rent it out or sell on terms.But you can’t give them term solutions without interviewing them 1st.I posted on biggerpockets.com an article called, “Be the Doctor with the Seller.”Over 5 years ago I posted it.

@Dave Van Hornyou are definitely far more experienced than I at these, your comments are duly noted and I'm not one to argue with someone of your stature. 

 @Mike Jury  Thanks-I'm asking if anyone here has experienced a similar situation, not so much asking what I should do.

I did for the first 5 years in real estate.I realized how incredibly beneficial it is to represent yourself.These are my reasons-They are an extra middle man that is unnecessary for an astute and experienced investor.Typically the extent of their work is writing up the offer.They can waste valuable time.

Looking for experienced agent, who is very well familiar with the different areas in the city.

You would be experiencing the same struggles whether you were stationed in Hawaii or here.

But to say I am not cut out for "house-hacking" because I am seeking input from experienced landlords seems a bit crass. 

Based on the ocean temps I have been experiencing these past two seasons this is going to be a real big one.

@Scott TrenchI am also experiencing the same widget on my "home" page as @Troy Fisher described above telling me my profile is 88% complete - no "occupation" specified.