4) don’t assume your extra risk/effort will be recognized or appreciated and try not to become bitter once it isn’t.

Thank you to all the authors of the books that I have read.

I specifically had the form written up to authorize entry by x person in the case of incapacitation/ death and some  mostly younger tenants didn't want to sign.

Recognizing that the city is completely different block-to-block, I've been making regular trips at different times of day to check out prospective areas. 

Turns out, the main house wasn’t even permitted (the seller refused to authorize permit request). 

My current cabin won't be counted as rental income for another 1 1/2 years, unless I find a bank that will recognize what I have from this year's taxes.

Some people fail to register their out of state LLCs or corps in the local state (especially here in CA) but if your state's tax authority is as efficient as CA's, they'll catch up to them sooner or later.

Not in CA, they'll recognize this as a commercial property. that comes with different lending guidelines.

I love that you are the author, that's awesome!

That way when you find a good deal, you’ll be able to recognize it.