I always like to list slightly below market rent to get it rented quicker but that's just me.

Yes, we all wish lenders moved at a quicker speed as they are the bottleneck in the process, and hold us up as well. 

I personally invest in those areas as it gives me the highest cash flow and I can scale up quicker.

It makes things a whole lot quicker.

Some suggestions collectively and separately;See what you all qualify FHA (Aka Housing Hacking) for 3-4 Unit Properties to accumulate more units quicker with less monies out of pocket and consider adding the LLC between the three of you onto title following all the closings.

I know first hand by doing it wrong for many years that quicker is not always better...

That will be more painful but quicker and you should stabilize after 12 or so.

While that will occupy the time much of the time you may need to prospect, you will learn the market quicker and help build up your contact list while getting some transactions under your belt.

As for the rentals, have bought my $100k plus properties for approx $62k by buying forclosures and estates, so the timeline actually has moved along quicker.  

mark, would you consider flipping in order to reach your goal quicker?