Best bet is to call the building and code enforcement departments regarding any prooerty related violations.

Best bet is to contact local brokers.

@Jeff Piscioniere It depends on how the title is held (but I'm willing to bet is in the guy with the mortgage name, since the lender will most likely not allow other owners not tied with the note) and it depends on what you have in your operating agreement if the partnership is protected or you are exposed to problems partners might create. 

It allows you to diversify into a portfolio of homes as opposed to putting all of your proverbial eggs in one basket.Be cautious tho as over the years I have witnessed countless investors buying properties in crappy areas, for more than they are worth and being passed on to crappy property management that nickel and dimes them to death (I guess all of those 15% "awesome" paper cap rates and promises of financial freedom aren't that awesome after all...)This is not just true for real estate deals but life in general (Your "piece of paper" degree does't necessarily dictate success in your chosen profession or your business)Real life experience is different to what any "piece of paper" says.In all reality guys it takes time to build financial freedom, and the more you can diversify your risk across multiple properties in your portfolio the less risk you bear in the long run.I may not be the smartest Aussie you have ever met, however I do understand a few basic rules that I follow on every acquisition I make.Strength in numbers, cash only, patience, and discipline.Let's talk about Strength first.Price point plays a big part of "strength in numbers" as it is safer to acquire 5 homes for a total of $350,000 as opposed to one for $350,000.What happens if "that one" property goes untenanted for 5 months?

The appraisal is your best bet.

TaskRabbit, Angie's List and Home Advisor are your best bets.

That post is a little tough to read, let's try this: CLICK image to enlarge But, real estate is far safer than the Stock Market for the average investor and real estate has far more benefits for the average investor.

I believe that multi-families are a far-far safer and more profitable bet.

Your best bet is to have your agent recommend a legit lender....require buyers to meet Their preapproval process (a real one, tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, etc)....they don’t have use your lender for the loan, but meet their preapproval standards.

Now idea how that would be monitored but if they could find a way I bet they'd get a new level of engagement from those with a lot of experience.I know I have my own questions from time to time but don't really ask as there really isn't a forum designed for and checked by those who have been doing what I'm interested in discussing.