I imagine you'll have more staying power.

Plus people have a hard time imagining the finished product.

Something to be cautious of that I imagine most on this post will agree is the rental license requirements of some of these villages especially in the south suburbs not to mention some of the villages inability to operate an efficient village operation. 

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.