I checked each on a weekly basis.  

Hey Helena, I know we've already chatted but you should check out this BP thread about us:https://www.biggerpockets.com/forums/311/topics/1184140-plan...

I would check the rules in all of your jurisdictions.

The seller can pay for it at closing (the title agent will cut the check to the trade to ensure there is no resulting lien) and provide proof of the replacement to the insurance provider.  

Thanks in advance for your time.Bobby Short Hey Bobby, you should check out Second Street.

They’re requesting what feels like an unreasonable amount of information, and the demands keep escalating.So far, they’ve asked for:A video tour of my home officeCredit checks on me and my partnerCopies of the deeds for every property we ownA copy of my partner’s home lease and utility billsBusiness phone billsA signed letter from the bank verifying our accountsBank statementsHonestly, it feels more like qualifying for a loan than trying to become a customer.

It's a balance of cashflow and wealth accumulation.One of the goals is to have tenants pay as much of your cost-of-ownership as possible (loans, taxes, insurance, etc.)In high-cost areas, any Class A or B property you buy will usually negative cashflow for the first 3-5 years, until rents rise enough to cover the negative cashflow + rising taxes & insurance.Investing OOS increases your risks because you may not know the market and you can't check on everything/everyone all the time.If you move forward with your buddies, HIGHLY recommend creating a solid Partnership Agreement!

@Sebastian Nadal for background checks, I use stessa/rent prep that’s available to us through biggerpockets tools.

If you don't flip, these guys are usually in the appropriate isles at Home Depot with the carts of supplies or just hang around the commercial check out.

Quote from @Theodore Sutton: Check out the site meetup.com and also the events page on BP for meetings up in your area to meet people like this and build relationships.