Look at the current reviews and see how people feel about the place.

But if your goal is to cashflow positive from the Day 1, you may find it very challenging due to current day interest rates, high cost of construction and the fact you won't have the efficiencies of a seasoned developer building at scale.

Im looking at purchasing a duplex in middletown, Ohio.

They have lived in that house now for 24+ years and just signed a new 3 year renewal. 

Guys have heard that ad nauseum and its now a code word for "Do it cheap".

Would that be, for example, if the PM says, "I manage a duplex for John Smith in Turlock," then I call John as a reference, ask John a few questions, and then ask John the address of his duplex so I can later look it up on the county website and verify if he is the owner?

Start looking for a new PM.

At the end of the day, whether small or large deals it always comes down to relationships.

Well anyone can write anything into a contract, but whether it is legal and enforceable is for the courts to decide...It is State law here that a contractor must call 811 or they are liable for the costs.

You’d also make all future capital gains at least partially taxable instead of tax exempt by converting your primary to a rental.