Also keep in mind that license and membership in the MLS are not cheap to maintain, so it will actually push you to go out and make some sale or it will cost you moneyWelcome to BP!

I think you need to avoid placing the signs in the "right of way," as opposed to private property (possibly minimally maintained) that happens to be near a street.

What you have sounds like it is probably in the ball park of a property that is being maintained and you weren't given some rosy low figures on expenses.A good real estate professional can help you in a lot of ways and as an investor who is ready willing and able to buy, you can certainly help them. 

If I sell to an owner-occupant will the current lease be cancelled or do I have to honor the lease by transferring to a new owner or maintaining ownership?

Build and maintain a great credit score. 

I'm just trying to determine how much more is reasonable while maintaining the upside of the investment.Overall, I want my investments to cash flow but also have appreciation potential and appeal to future retail buyers.  

I have no employees to baby sit, no perishable inventory to move, no franchise fees to pay, and no store to maintain.

The place was nice and well maintained.  

The house needs some work even though it has been reasonably maintained.

I've been working with mostly investors since I've obtained my license which goes great with the fact that I am a property manager for a Property Management Company that helps over 150 property owners maintain their property, find tenants to move in, and make sure that they pay!