One thing that I would do differently is start with curb appeal and advertise before the property is ready.

There has been a lot of interest, even though my PM only started advertising late last week.  

(You should get a list of resources to look into.If your part of the country has craigslist, advertise on there under real estate services for bird-dogging.

Each of the properties I purchased by auction were advertised as being Occupied but by the time I closed and visited the property, the occupants had left.  

I have mastered gaining real high quality interested leads particularly for luxury condo rentals through online advertising.

http://www.restonnow.com/2015/07/09/fairfax-to-kee...Fairfax to Keep Clearing Illegal Road Signsby Karen Goff — July 9, 2015 at 9:00 amFairfax County says its program to remove distracting and illegal signs from major road medians has been a big success and will continue.In July 2013, the county instituted a program to have the Sheriff’s Community Labor Force regularly pick up political campaign signs, advertising signs and more every week.Fairfax officials that crews picked up 14,000 signs countywide the first year and 22,000 signs the second year, marking the program as a success.Officials plan to expand the program with a second removal crew this year.The county formerly picked up signs only when there was a complaint.

On the marketing side of things, I have some experience with graphic design and advertising.

Its not as sophisticated as Appfolio but they do have great customer service and their web-based software does the job.If your PM is doing a good job I would really stick with them. 7% is a good rate and like you said the software will only streamline processing new tenants, advertising for vacancies, and getting maintenance requests but it won't eliminate the need to do showings and respond to calls.

The last one...Craigslist-advertised as under market..and it wasOne before that: Craigslist-owner found me and wanted out fastOne before that: Craigslist-distressed owner found meOne before that: HUD propertyOne before that: MLS listed propertyWorking on one that I may lock up this week: if it works out...CraigslistNow you know why I encourage people to use CL:)

It's becoming a trend. I