Find a reputable accountant, this is too big of a decision to listen to someone in an online forum.

We have several properties in neighborhoods that folks typically ignore due to their location/reputation. 

As far as back taxes and liens against the property, if you are working with a reputable title company, they can perform a search of the property and confirm if there are outstanding taxes/liens against the property.  

As always when dealing with legal zoning issues contact a reputable land use attorney who has performed work in the communities where you are looking to purchase properties.

These questions should help you find a reputable lender.Some questions to ask the lenders, these apply to all lenders including Alternative, Hard Money, not just the traditional banksFico: What is their minimum score they accept?

I am keeping their name out of this as a courtesy to not tarnish their seemingly good reputation.

They have the contacts with suppliers, they have a history and reputation that you may not, they can come up with cost-effective optional products that you may not have considered.

They also live and die by their reputations on that site.If 1/2 of your outlets / fixtures are without power, it could be something relatively simple like one side of your incoming 220 VAC has a failed wire or a bad connection. 

@Spencer Dalberth I’m having a time finding reputable information in my area (NJ) and I feel like I’m missing out.

@Brent T HowellCheck to see if the inspection company is reputable.