It all depends on how much attention they’ve been getting and how long they’ve been sitting on the market.I imagine being able to get it zone MF-4 would allow you to pay somewhat of a higher price for it vs SF-3.

I don’t  think it is about being paid enough it is a mentality issue   Give them a free place to live they will treat it even worse than you could even imagine        A welfare system just creates more welfare.     

So starting off, I felt it was reasonable to imagine that my time spent renovating wasn't worth more than $10/hr, a typical general apprentice's starting wage in my area at the time.

I imagine I’ll need them to apply online or submit some kind of credit report/proof of income.

Once you get the properties operating like yours it should be "easy" money. 15 is a lot to take on at once, but if you put the right software or processes in place and are diligent about sticking to it you'll be dedicating a small amount of time to them within 2-4 months I imagine. 

Additionally, I imagine rates are higher, and a down payment is still required.

Most of the firms I found online are in center city with some high rent offices which I would imagine translates into high rates.  

I’d imagine you’d need to buy her out.

@Rafael Maya I imagine you will get flood from mortgage broker’s here soon if you haven’t already.

I imagine that Claremont and Azusa would be great rental investment communities because of the colleges.