I've uncovered many similar horror stories when pulling up carpet over hardwood floors over the past several years.  

I've just started working with Imagine Home Realty, which has a property management company, Ark Property Management, and a company that specialises in reham for REI, Imagine Construction Management.

I am in the process of connecting with a mutual friends real estate agent who is also an investor specialising in flips and buy and holds.

The reason why I haven't made the trip to look at the land, look at the roads to the land, ask about any future self storage facilities in planning, or speak to local facilities is because I wanted to ask for your guidance on things I should be prepared to look out for, ask, and uncover. 

Though it would just be a licensed realtor and a preapproved buyer entering...I think I uncovered a black swan when she mentioned that she doesn't want to help anyone's bottom line. 

Uncover valuable tips and strategies for maximizing the value of your property through carefully planned improvements.

I will share my "Most Expensive Lesson" in the comments.To kick things off, here are ten examples of expensive lessons or mistakes in real estate investing:Underestimated Repairs: The classic pitfall where the cost of repairs and renovations far exceeds initial estimates, impacting the overall budget and profitability.Tax Liens: Failing to account for or being unaware of existing tax liens on a property can result in unexpected financial burdens.Contractor Liens: Not settling payments or disputes with contractors can lead to liens against your property, complicating sales or refinancing.HOA Fines: Overlooking or violating Homeowners Association (HOA) rules can lead to significant fines and headaches.Bad Loan Products: Opting for loan products without fully understanding their terms can lead to unfavorable financial conditions, such as higher interest rates or unfavorable repayment terms.Ignoring Zoning Laws: Investing in a property without a clear understanding of local zoning laws may restrict its use, affecting your investment strategy.Overpaying for a Property: Lack of research or getting caught in a bidding war can result in paying much more than the property's worth.Neglecting Due Diligence: Skipping thorough inspections and background checks can uncover unpleasant surprises after the purchase is finalized.Poor Tenant Screening: Failing to properly screen tenants can lead to unpaid rent, property damage, and costly evictions.Underestimating Market Risk: Not considering market fluctuations can lead to investments that don't pay off as expected, especially in volatile or declining markets.We've all been there in one way or another, facing setbacks that seemed daunting at the time.

As you build rapport and ask genuine questions you'll uncover true motivation & then earn the right to go through your closing pitch.  

* there are many, many, many different vehicles that can take you to each bench mark in your investing journey and uncovering these to set a path for yourself will be your first step!) 

They will very likely uncover it in their due diligence, but you will help solidify your reputation (and save them time) if you can let them know.Learn from my experience - the seller very often does NOT know exactly how much they owe in taxes.