This has been true about every technological change in the industry - those who fail or refuse to adapt lose while those who embrace new tech win.

I would try to verify the negative information and if in fact true, then it would be a pass for me.

Your true return has to be risk adjusted.  

Switching the utilities into their name without safeguards in place—knowing the tenant might act out—seems like a misstep on their part.While it’s true you’ll ultimately have to cover the cost, it doesn’t feel entirely fair for you to shoulder the consequence of their decision.

If you are planning on living there (ie in 1 unit) then you are house-hacking and this is a different calculation consideration then renting out both units and making it a true investment.

Corona impacts will greatly impact this surplus but it is nice that the state had a $9B surplus.CA, over the last 10 years, had the 2nd largest net population increase of all 50 states (last I looked - I believe it to still be true). 

In Ohio, it’s true that you’ll need to file the eviction notice yourself or hire an attorney to do so.

Be responsive, communicative, deliver on what you say you are going to deliver (e.g. photos are true representation of your properties, amenities reflect what you actually have).  

But more importantly ask for their rate sheet, if they can provide it, to understand, what the true interest rate is, the lenders spread, and the cost for that rate.More than likely if a broker is using the same wholesaler, it is because collectively, that lender is offering the most competitive rate.

If the answer is "close enough," they move forward without much hesitation.While it's true that higher-quality tenants are easier to attract with nicer homes in better areas, I’ve managed C-class properties and had fantastic tenants.