Verify everything independently or risk-adjust the purchase price (which may not result in acceptance).2) then I did tax returns for a season. 9 out of 10 people with rental properties had no records of their expenses and would just say, “put down $200 for that” etc.  

Ask a LOT of questions that force people to explain things so that you can understand them or can verify yourself independently. 

Because since the GFC appraisers are known to be super conservative with their value estimates and they tend to use foreclosed comparable sales.We always justify our prices with a CMA that is pulled from the MLS (All comps are independent of any of our in-house sales) but we don't control what comps an appraiser will use and we are also not in the mafia business of manipulating a properties value...Buying using leverage or cash.Buying in your own back yard or on the other side of the world.You will need people to make it work.And at the end of the day it all comes down to trust.I ALWAYS tell every investor a simple phrase."

Tons of rating factors that impact the price from one property to another.I say this without even considering coverage, service, and what you might want as there are usually choices to be made.Your best bet is to work with an independent agent that can provide advice along with multiple options for every scenario so that you can find the best value in each situation.

If that helps I'm looking at 6-12 units, independently owned apartments.

If you did not do independent appraisal and inspection, you experience what 170+ investors experienced.

Lesson, never pay in advance and get someone independent to inspect before dispersing funds.

Rochester, Freedom, Independence, Ambridge, Leetsdale, Monaca, all in the same or close area, but the rent in Beaver Falls compared to relatively competitive markets like Chippewa, Rochester, Freedom, Hopewell, etc., is also a plus for potential renters as there is a demand for more affordable options compared to the surrounding areas.

You would have a very hard time convincing the IRS that your children are independent contractors.

My goals have always been to build passive income leading to financial independence (which I've been fortunate enough to achieve).