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?

Then it became apparent the irrigation nozzles were routinely spraying water against my house and subsequently that this water was getting in - carpets were damp coming through from padding below.After checking pipes etc with a couple plumbers who found nothing wrong with any pipes in summer and fall 2017 ...

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

I have plumbers, roofers, electricians, GC's and more.

I am a buy and hold.In Lowell it is impossible to currently find a good deal on a 6 unit, one that generates a positive cash flow.Any recommendations on management companies, plumbers, builders, specific neighborhoods, past experiences( the good and the bad) or even on proving me wrong in my assessment of the area.Jay

There are also specialty tradespeople who have skills in specific tasks like plumbers and electricians.

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.