Every area will have its own distinction....like NY/Boston/Chicago etc there may be A properties that are 100+ years old and there may also be brand new to market assets.

Piece of cake.

Although we are targeting good neighborhoods for appreciation and to make sure we get good tenants who maintains the property well and pay rents on time, having a positive cash flow is an absolutely necessary piece to make sure we make money on the investment from the beginning instead of hoping to make money at the end when we decide to sell it.

A number of comments enthusiastically endorsed cutting out large pieces of drywall just to start assessing this problem.

I have questions regarding the owner and curious to see people's opinionsI find a piece of land that is going to tax deed auction and the land lies in a good/well-gated neighborhood.

Onr of my rentals origanally had a floor register for the heat with hardwood floors , I made an inlay pattern out of red oak and white oak . the rest of the floor was white oak . it became the center piece of the room . 

Furthermore, understanding the resident characteristics allows me to measure the target market and modify my investment strategy accordingly.Inspection ChecklistSituations vary from one property to the next, but here is an on-site inspection checklist to get you started:Interior Units:Inspect vacant units, including one of each finish out type (Classic, Reno, etc.).Check all down units.Inspect one unit from each unit mix.Exteriors:Landscape:Look for overgrown bushes.Identify trees that need trimming (no branches hanging over the roof).Take pictures of the following:Curb appeal on all sides facing the street.Landscape around the office and amenities.Overgrown bushes or trees.Any dead landscape.Areas that may need sod or mulch.Assess drainage:Ensure water flows away from building foundations.Check slope, gutters, downspouts, surface drains, French drains, etc.Exterior Walls:Determine the existing material (wood, vinyl, Hardie, brick, stone).Assess the condition of the walls.Note if painting is required.Take pictures of each building, including building number, each elevation (clockwise), and any breezeways or niches.Windows:Evaluate the condition of existing windows.Consider whether solar screens should be installed.Roof:Identify the type of roof.Assess its condition and age.Parking Lot:Check for potholes.Assess the need for restriping.Note whether the parking lot is concrete or asphalt.Evaluate drainage issues.Walkway:Look for tripping hazards.Assess drainage issues.Foundation/Gutters:Inspect for cracks in the brick.Check for separation in corners from fascia and trim boards.Evaluate drainage and identify poor drainage areas.Amenities:Identify possible improvements.Consider adjustments or additions that can enhance amenities.Talk to the Staff:Maintenance: Inquire about the physical condition.Office: Discuss current residents, delinquency, and potential changes to add value.Assess whether rents are too high or too low.Confirm rents and what is included/not included.Confirm other sources of income and associated charges.Confirm occupancy, pre-release, and vacancy numbers.Note: Maintain professionalism and avoid insulting the owner or broker, regardless of the property's condition.Keep in mind that investing in real estate is like solving a puzzle—you need all the pieces to see the big picture.

We're conservative investors and we like every piece of the pie.

I did end up going with their contractor and it was mostly for piece of mind while I get my feet wet and learn.

Individual mail pieces can run you from ~ $0.40 - $0.75 depending on the type of mail-piece and size of your order.