I tell you what -- when you get together the cash to buy a few rentals, you can run them the way you want. Meanwhile, I will run mine the way I want.
As a renter, feel free to choose the best unit you can afford. This is what free enterprise is all about. I have very low turnover, and when a unit does come open, I have a wide selection of tenants to choose from.
My units are well-maintained, and represent the best value for 30 miles in any direction. My market is working-class families. With an emphasis on the working. If no one in the family has a job, please rent somewhere else. My experience is that if you live on transfer payments, you will stay up late at night and hold loud parties. Low class friends will congregate in the parking lot, drink beer, smoke pot, and create a nuisance. People who have that lifestyle are promptly replaced by family-oriented renters.
If you want high end appliances and luxury carpet, I understand that desire, but you will pay 50% more per month than in my rentals. Don't go away angry, but please find someone else to rent from.
I have had tenants who thought they knew more about my business than I did. I try to screen them out at the beginning, because somewhere along the line they will be troublemakers.
I also screen out the prospective tenants who have too much money. Ultimately they are going to want a more luxurious unit than I have, and they can afford to move up.
I hear you. Some folks really do not understand the populous very well.
My wife is a Broker/Owner of a Real Estate company - she has had over the last few years clients buying rental units for the investment.
One client bought a triplex about four years ago (the existing tenants came with the place).
The tenants were: a school Principal, an exotic dancer and a drug dealer.
Two of the three paid on time and never had any complaints - it was the Principal that caused the grief. He was constantly delinquent.
Sounds like you take care of your places and have a good reputation.
Keep it up!