The prices here are definitely more affordable, but I have been burned by a few agents and would like some control over the process. 

I highly recommend him with all of your real estate ventures: http://mjgrapporealty.com/

You can do it as a joint venture where you partner will also likely sign and guarantee on the debt, or you can have an investor provide you debt.  

Language barriers and outbursts don't help anyone, and are definitely a point of control.

Joint venturing and partnering with successful individuals can be a powerful strategy.

I forgot if you said there was a reason the landlord doesn’t just raise rent, do they have rent control?

This is the space where an investor can continue to grow their portfolio even in this market.Now, if you don't want to do rehab and I don't blame you because I've found out the hard way in past ventures that I really really suck at carpentry and most things that aren't basic mechanicals like HVAC (I was an aircraft mechanic in a past life so I "get" things you can assemble with bolts better than how to cut wood in a perfectly straight line even with a jig), there are options to have general contractors and specialist subcontractors do the rehab for you. 

Here's what we have found so far:Avalara is about $30/moPrice Labs $20/moYourPorter $15/moPest Control $35-$40/moLawn $50-$60/moCable/Internet $100-$200/moADT $60/moSeptic $50/mo.

That’s where things can really get out of control.  

@Mike M - Sorry your experience is starting out this way, I don't think it has to end up badly...it is up to you now to take control of the situation and MAKE SURE that your STR is not only not a negative, but an absolute benefit to the neighborhood.Ultimately all these people want is to not be bothered and most importantly to not have their property values affected negatively.