When you use an escalator clause how to you verify the list agent isn't artificially boosting the price with other "fake" offers?

@GregDowney Can private lenders provide copies of closing statements or something to verify they are legit?

For me making a few phone calls to verify references is not that time consuming, but I can see how it could be if my portfolio continues to expand.

Verify which local building code you are under.

@Jon Ostojic  first I suggest you make sure the location is good and that the actual rents and occupancy are correct and verified. 

Will you have the opportunity to look at the owners' books to verify rents (are tenants actually paying?)

My question is, how do I verify that they are cash-flowing?

I always like to do this just to verify that the pro forma and projected rents are realistic.  

Nobody can guarantee you will win in court but it's normally pretty easy as long as you can verify your story with documentation.If you take the tenant to court and evict, you will also be awarded a judgement for whatever the tenant owes.

The only thing that gives me pause that I'd want your father to verify is whether the property is on the Schedule E or A and what kind of heartburn that causes the accountant.