A property manager will take the workload off your shoulder but they likely won't get you a higher rent unless your listing is terrible.  

You could, for the purposes of verifying that you are not renting to someone who is potentially dangerous or financially incapable of shouldering the burden of being a roommate, ask them to apply through Zillow so that you can see their background check, that also gives you the opportunity to have others who might be interested in being your roommate as well, apply.

We own and manage two and one is particularly difficult during the shoulder (slow) seasons.

The combination of all the above puts me shoulders above majority of the investors.

Switching the utilities into their name without safeguards in place—knowing the tenant might act out—seems like a misstep on their part.While it’s true you’ll ultimately have to cover the cost, it doesn’t feel entirely fair for you to shoulder the consequence of their decision.

I'm going to be the devil on your shoulder here.

As the above paragraph says they assume you may have UNINTENTIONALLY discriminated, so the burden of proof is largely on your shoulders. 

Another one is when you start to feel a little weight off your shoulders because you don't depend entirely on your boss.

Rub shoulders and network with people who are doing what you want to do.

What happened to the good old shoulder barge or accidental door kick hahaI don't ever remember buying a house without getting some eyes on it.I've always found some a back door or window "open" heheIf a neighbor approaches me, "No habla ingles" 😁