In addition, if you bought any of these below market, you might capture some equity upon purchase.My wife and I do a mix of syndicating and limited partner investing in apartments and have had great returns. 

Even with a single family often there are utilities that you will want to pay directly as a landlord and which are customary in that market to be included in the rent.

Today HUD notified that our bid was cancelled because they did not receive the requested information and documents, and the property is now back on the market.

What type of traveler are you marketing to?

or it is just the way the market currently is right now ?

All major repairs, such as the HVAC and roof were handled before the seller put the property on the market. 

Appfolio, Rentvine, Buildium are the 3 big players in the market.

You are relying on their market expertise, problem-solving, lease enforcement, legal compliance, and so much more.Remember: cheaper doesn't mean you'll make more money.Start by going to www.narpm.org to search their directory of managers.

Knowing a market and being within a reasonable distance just seems to make sense especially if you are either working solo or with a small newly formed team.

As @Max Ferguson mentioned, the MLS in my investing area is really bad too because few rentals are marketed on the MLS.