Paying off the notes, working to pre-emptively make repairs to capex items before they fail or become a major issue think roof, HVAC, and foundation.

For Non-Admitted carriers, the important item to then pay attention to is the AM Best rating (or equivalent rating agency).

If you are calling the licensed guy off the one single van that drives by or was referred to you..

Only thing better would be initial deposit and then paid in full upon Certificate of Occupancy and punchlist complete.Of course, standard items should also be checked: licensed, insured, willing and able to pull all required permits, reference checks.I would also commonly avoid the cheapest bid you get.  

I work with a lot of other real estate related businesses and closing teams that refer business to us. 

I only buy the Aquasource Henshaw White Watersense Elongated Height 2-Piece Toilet from Lowe's (item number 98923 model # T802).

Just make sure to vet them carefully and ask for references from past deals and proof of their track record.

I've been pondering the same question lately.For items like HVAC filters, do you remind tenants when it's the time to change it, or just expect that they will do it?

@Patrick Pan, if I was operating in a state where that was a concern I would just contact their current landlord for a reference.

You've given me some solid pointers/items to take into consideration for future deal analysis, so thank you for that.