You could also check with the local chamber of commerce and see if there is any new memberships or other local retailer/employers coming in.

Do you plan a trip once a year to check on the property; get in touch with the neighbors and ask how things look; send the tenant a brief survey every six months…?

The forums, blogs and podcasts are all very helpful and the membership here is willing to help others, so make sure you ask questions if you cannot find what you are looking for.

In your case (Marin County) it is BAREIS, you can go to BAREIS.com and click on "membership" to apply.

Thank you Tim.I've paid for the SDCIA membership, but I fear it was a waste of money.

Comments here are not private conversations, rather to a national membership, HUD governs sales and rentals of all residential properties in the country to some extent and will be a basis for many determinations made locally.

Jeff there is a lot more too these types of things then it looks.On my commercial deals with clients surveys reveal sometimes encroachment issues etc.The attorneys step in at that point.

Second, DHA will do a rent survey before fully committing and if it thinks the rent is too much they'll demand you lower it.

Management is a benefit of membership, we ask for 10% of rental income.  

if there is only a small and narrow road for entry, that could pose a huge problem.You will want a survey, flood plain map, envrionmental phase I report (possibly phase II as well), and report from fire department on water pressure levels to the area and how many hydrants will be required.