The layouts tend to be awful, the stairs dangerous, and the unknown simply too big a risk for my liking.I went through one built in the early 1900's a few weeks ago and the thing was incredible.

This worked for me:Set up internet & utilities.

Ok, I'm learning all kind of terminology, abbreviations and REI slang, today I was looking for some properties on the internet and found a bidding web page and in some properties it says this:"Note: This property is associated with a special servicer.

<10%) below market, we typically set down with them and layout a schedule to gradually raise their rent closer to market - we like to use an initial increase of ~1% ($100.00 in the OPs example), followed by an additional smaller increase (say $25.00 - $50.00) every 3 to 6 months.Most tenants whose rent is significantly below market are well aware of how good they have it and will not be shocked that their rent increases under new management.  

Maybe it varies by region for the layout.  

If you needed heart surgery, would you ask someone on the internet to perform the surgery  for free and trust that they, a stranger were going to do a good job?

It's like I'm not even on the internet.

I had found a few properties on the seller's website I had interest in (and because of a recommendation and what I read on the internet, I think the seller is someone I would work with) and researching the mgmt co was the last step before contacting him.You touched on the very thing I found missing in the mgmt co listings....Aggressive leasing agents and quick responses.

I feel like 30 days of being back is long enough to wait and look, because I've done nothing but look at properties here on the internet for months.  

Any quality provider will offer support so that you do not need to rely on internet forums for unfiltered guidance.A Solo 401k can utilize mortgage financing.