In addition to the above comment, also send the tenants an "introductory letter" which outlines when rent is due & late, how it is to be paid & late fees, a contact number for maintenance request.

Clearly not the standard with this company.Ultimately, I talked to the owner of the company, and he said he's happy to do that, but that they typically don't unless the owner requests it (he said that because they manage 1600 units, it's cumbersome to get owner approval on every placement). 

If you are being reasonable with your requests, they will likely stay.I like @Rodney Wideman suggestion to increment the rent up over time.  

Hi Lee, just accepted your request.

They only charge .25 cents per transaction and you can set up recurring payment requests.

Another option is to make sure you're pre approved for a loan amount to buy in your desired area, if you're not pre approved maybe ask a family member who is not planing to invest or request loans in the next 5-10  years to   co sign on loan.  

Screams opportunity to me...I was with a native for the week I was there and was asking TONS of RE questions and still don't understand it. 

I put in an offer and got it accepted at 715 and requested the schedule e for the last 3 years, rent rolls, utility bills, and bank statements.

@Jon Klaus So far, the only money spent was on keeping my lawyer on retainer to help me deal with the water districts easement request and to avoid violating the current easement we have with the city.

On one of my current deals HUD requested my bank to confirm that they actually have pulled my credit score - it's calles a comfort letter and gives the seller more certainty that the deal will go through.