I am now solely focused on one market versus purchasing a home at every duty station. 

Still need reserves for roof, appliances, hot water heater, hvac, bath and kitchen remodel.etc.Unlikely insurance is $25 per month and taxes will go up as you improve the property.

If you are trying to reach financial freedom or improve your financial stature, then any approach other than eviction is not going to move you towards your goals.

I would consider putting SOME money down if you've got savings Doing this would improve your DTI for future purposes and improve your cash flow and equity performance.

Professional tenant versus slumlord. 

The price range you're looking at for 2-flats in the area is definitely on the lower end so you should be prepared for some work but what you described is a lot more problematic than making some cosmetic improvements.

Or, are you saying any local lender versus a nation-wide lender? 

My strategy lately is to continue to buy, buy, buy cash flowing properties that are in areas where I see good appreciation and improvement as the years go by.

A good tenant is someone who:Has stable employment in a market segment that is very likely to be stable or improve over timeHas a credit history with which you can evaluate the likelihood that they will performPays all the rent on scheduleTakes care of the propertyDoes not cause problems with neighborsDoes not engage in illegal activities while on the propertyStays for many yearsGood tenants are the exception, not the norm.

There may be some local factors (nearby construction development or major change) influencing the owner to sell at a discount OR perhaps the owner has not been keeping up with capital improvements and the tenant base as suffered and therefore actual collections of rent have been impacted.