For a first-time investor in the Buffalo metro area, I would emphasize that the housing stock here is on the older side (many homes build pre-1900 or right around the turn of the century) and maintenance/cap ex is something to consider.

If you're a buy-and-holder, I would also emphasize the importance of NOT SPENDING YOUR RESERVES, even if its for a down payment on another property!

After re-reading Gary Keller’s A millionaire Real Estate Investor (Make sure to read if you have not already done so) He emphasizes the importance of building a work circle.

I always try to emphasize my staff's lower billing rate towards the entire project cost. 

The anxiety I was emphasizing in my post was more about the unknowns of just how bad this is gonna get. 

Instead, comparison shop the area for what is available for rent and emphasize that your new rent amount is competitive or less than those other available units.

This is correct and worth emphasizing that it’s only faster because you’ve rolled your extra cash flow from the paid off houses into the remaining debt.

I don't even want to imagine how much trouble this applicant woud have caused if she was a tenant.This, really emphasizes the importance of screening well, more now because it is so hard to evict people 

It's interesting that the majority of people responding who are investors are saying "responsiveness" while the agents seem to be downplaying "responsiveness" and emphasizing other qualities, mainly experience.My vote is also responsiveness, because if there is no response or slow response we may not even get started.

I think you have to emphasize the sweat equity aspect of the business up front on your first 3 or so deals.