Farmers are notoriously cheap, but good ones know their business well. and if they like and trust you, they will tell you straight.

Sewer lines in these areas are notorious for backing up..

Although these properties are not inherently bad, they are rent for only $700-$800 per month, they need a lot of work, and they are notoriously difficult to secure.Does anyone have suggestions on how to get started in real estate investing without purchasing low-end properties?

They are notorious for excluding things to make the bottom line look good.  

@Ajay Prabhu Garland and Mesquite are always in demand but make sure you leave a little room ($$ cushion) because both of those cities have Rental CO programs that are NOTORIOUS for driving landlord costs up with required rental inspections. 

The house is in an area with great schools and appreciation, and the area is notoriously easy to rent.  

If they cause damage to anything outside by something of their own accord, then yes they are to be held responsible just the same as inside. ie: tenant decides to pull all the bushes up because they don't like them, they are responsible for paying to replace all of them.The tenant's responsibilities for yard maintenance should be outlined clearly in the lease. ie: mowing the lawn every 2 weeks, raking leaves, etc.You are held liable for injuries that happen on the property if you're found to be negligent. ie: Your steps are notoriously slippery in the rain, tenant brings it up and a concern you dismiss it, tenant falls and breaks something.

A lot of similar advice has been given in this vein, so I will add some of my own as one with some experience in the Big City Blues.Basically, your 'hott' urban MSAs (New York, SF, Seattle, Miami, LA, DC) will have notoriously terrible rent/value ratios.

@Michael Zagorsky  I don't think wholesalers really care were the buyer comes from.your job is to weed out the flakes that try to wholesale deals. you must look at wholesalers simply as brokers and some are notorious for giving totally puffed up values and understating rehab.. its Caveat Emptor to the second power...

Front-loading machines are notorious for a mildew smell.