The article makes this interesting observation, but I don't quite understand it. 

It appears to us that the CrestCore organization as a whole doesn’t have the best reputation in Memphis and they appear to have a lot of angry clients but please keep in mind this is just an observation/opinion.

Yes I observed lot of old houses.

At least, that's my observation with zero deals under my belt.

Don't be a passive observer.

So, what do you look for or what are some tell-tale signs to bypass a lead based on their actions or other observations ?

Seems like the prices are near the top and from what I observed (I honestly haven't researched it in depth), it seems like the renter's rights outweigh the owner's rights (just had a friend in San Diego take 6 months to evict a tenant who wouldn't pay the rent). 

From my observations and understanding talking to at least one resident there, the landlord doesn't fix anything.

I’m an agent in Portland focused on working with investors and in my observation 2-4 unit properties on the MLS are almost always overpriced on a cap rate basis.

You never know how what you say is going to be interpreted by outside observers.