Can't hurt to send direct mail and if you can find a legit phone number give the owner a respectful phone call expressing interest.

I'm often beset by the feeling that I see the world differently (not better, just differently) from many but am unsure of how exactly to express it in a group setting. 

Once you get into the 100+ unit range, the property can support a full time maintenance person and likely a full time leasing/on-site PM.  

We provide a range, dishwasher if there's space for one, range vent, etc but never a fridge.

But I feel like I can't look for a deal until I know my price range. 

@Fili Aguirre No one applicant is perfect, one has to give points to a strong rental history, with the mid-range credit score with a middling LL recommendation, against the applicant with low credit score (bad decisions a few years ago) but who now has a solid employer but who's missed a car payment.

Its very competitive there at this price range.

If you're going to say no 2nds sell for that much anymore, I'm curious what price range you'd expect for G.F. or Dave's examples

Some people may want to build and other throw a double or single wide on it while they build their dream house.

Zillow and rentometer usually show a rent range.