@Stephan Fequiere while timing the market is not really a sound business strategy, there are a few deterrents to flipping right now.

Would these types of issues be a deterrent from buying a deal that has good #s?

Really add the visual component.

Make sure you fly to MO and visually inspect the house, have an independent appraisal look at it and for God's sake get an inspection done.  

It helps me look at the year and read down that column to see what the returns were to visually compare.What I wanted to do and what I started out doing was trying to figure a way to include my additional payments I make since I don't conform to just paying the standard principal amount.

Webinars offer a visual component, teleseminars are more familiar to older demographics.

If they won't Skype visually walk away.

We have two properties in areas similar to what you describe and it's not a deterrent at all.

just call any HVAC company they will know who to refer you too.. while caging is a nice deterrent if they really want them they just bring a Sawzall and cut the cage.. there is also companies that put lojacks on these things.. you can google those.If I was going back into land lording in areas were these thefts are common and its pretty much common in the cash flow areas of major MSA's  I would try to retrofit them up onto the roof.. like we see in the desert.. 

I am putting together a visual piece that has each social media account and want to see if anyone has done this before.