A 500 dollars a month tenant, and an older property in a low income area (You called it a 'C' but you are not sure) is jumping into the deep end IMO.

Maybe your expectations are not in line with what the market delivers.It has been really slow since August, we had a great week and then it has been trickling in since.  

A slow moving, frustrating pain.

With some refi’s lenders want you to have owned the property for 6-12 months before they will lend to you which can slow your growth (forgive me if I’m stating things you already know). 

Diving in without knowing how deep the water is isn't wise. 

Location sales managers are more than eager to help you out during a slow Q1. 

It's a slow time of year.

Is it just slow time of year?

If you were to concentrate on learning everything there is to know it could conceivably take 6 months to a year to consume along with properly researching your market.Learn your market, finances, expenses, cash flow, tennat screening, PM screening, state landlord tenant laws, etc. etc.You are at stage 1 in a 100 stage learning process, slow down.

I immediately got it rented for $1200/month with only doing a deep cleaning.