If the city ever shows up (either called by a neighbor, or checking out another permit project on your property) you could get red-flagged and shut down.

RED FLAG 🚩 

Sorry to hear this.I would always say that "There is nothing wrong with any property as long as the price is right".Granted, some are not salvageable and the deal doesn't make sense even if the seller paid to me to take it lolOver the past 10 years I have witnessed many investors trying to do the same thing as you.Purchase from afar without buying turnkey and trying to do it themselves.This has been popular especially the last few years.Not many succeed unfortunately or they don't succeed in my eyes as they are into deals for much more than what they should be.There is a big trend going on where folks are made to "feel involved" with the purchase, rehab and property management process.The properties look great and off-course they do as rehabs cost $40,000 - $50,000.It doesn't sound like a lot of money for folks from CA and NY but for our local standards it is and IMO kills the cashflow and is unnecessary overcapitalization.Each to their own I guess.Just had a call the other week with a fellow from CA that bought a few turd properties from a local scam artist and is flying to town to try and rehab them himself.Another fella I managed to save even tho he lost his deposit of $1,000 as the seller (Another known scam artist) made him commit to the deal without allowing an inspection or even a walkthrough...If that isn't a red flag then I don't know what is 🤷‍♂️Hat's off to you for flying into to town to see the property for yourself.Wishing you much success

@Rhet PorterWhat you mentioned about only 14% of buyers being local is a big red flag for me. 

I am attempting to work with a property manager but I'm seeing a read flag and would love some input.This company wants to charge a 1 month placement fee for a new tenant, which I am totally fine with but also is saying they would charge me that fee AGAIN when the tenant renews their lease the following year.

Additionally, when I asked some probing questions the guy I was speaking with got defensive (red flag). 

But I am sensing major inexperience, lack of due diligence and just a bunch of red flags in general. 

Is that another red flag?

.- Neighborhoods to Avoid: Are there any areas that I should steer clear of due to high crime rates, low property values, or other red flags?

Any red flags to watch out for?