You might be speaking too soon

It would still be a good idea to speak with an attorney and go over your plan to make sure you do it in an efficient and legal manner.You definitely cannot play catch up on the previous years that rent wasn’t raised.

Your friend speaks in hyperbole . . . they mean to say that it is most common to buy off market properties cash. 

@Erick Daniel Alvarez, I agree with Josha Hardy and I can speak from experience, places like Dayton, OH are great places to invest for cash flow.

I've only bought a handful of deals from my own marketing so take this advice cum grano salis but I believe it's a combination of volume and credibility:Volume: Everyone's numbers are different but I seem to get 1 deal for every 40 sellers I speak to from my marketing.

Legally speaking, do I need to replace the fridge with one of the exact size? 

Generally speaking, you can only charge them for the damages they caused. 

In speaking with other investors, seems it’s a normal thing to come through and check CO2, smoke detectors, etc.

Ask to speak with some of their current owners and current/former tenants.

I recommend you speak with a few to see which one fits you best.https://www.google.com/search?...