But this should at a minimum give you some leverage if you are inclined to pursue. 

It's actually very feasible to manage your own MTRs if you're inclined to do so and, thankfully, there are now loads of resources to help you do just that from PMS software to leasing, background check and payment integrations.

For whatever reason, evidently, the people that would feel inclined to ask that question are also never interested in purchasing a home.

I haven't been at this very long but I'm experiencing some of the same as you describe and I do understand that if it takes the exact same effort, agents would be more inclined to go for the higher priced listings.

And if they clean up and there’s a new paint job, they may be more inclined to keep the house nice.

It also requires gaining a level of sophistication and knowledge that not everyone has the time, inclination or ability to do.

Before I go, I typically like to give them a form with all my contact info at this point, and as I walk out the door, I reassure them I will take care of the maintenance issues discussed.When the next month rolls around, you have shown them the can rely on you to take care of business, and 99.9% of the time, they will feel inclined to pay you on time.Hope this helps!

Another thought I had, but am less inclined towards, is stockpiling cash for a shift to be able to capitalize on more opportunities if there is a shift.

Most people can't afford that much of an increase and rather than finding another place, some may be inclined to just stop paying the rent knowing that they can't be evicted.

I have the same inclination at times, but the current rate is a relic of the past that you shouldn't dwell on when making a decision today.