Finding some sort of value-add aspect or buying at a discount means you either create or walk into equity, which protects you.

Work with a real estate attorney to draft a formal agreement that outlines responsibilities and protects both parties. 

remember, these are NOT conforming loans, so all the consumer protections one might be used to having aren't there.

Maybe they've been burned by landlords in the past and are being very careful.You can legally reject them based on personality, facial tattoos, body odor, or other factors, but you better make sure you can prove that it wasn't based on any protected class like race, religion, familial status, etc.

We are starting to see homes come on the market that have suffered damage from hurricane Helene and instead of having them fixed, some are just listing them as is.

This could help protect against any future lawsuits. 

Also make sure to have owners add you to their property insurance policies, so you have liability protection. 

I understand there are some protections that go along with it with all the law suits going around but hardly doubt they would go after an office with two agents in it.

In real estate, blunt honesty often protects people from common pitfalls or predatory advice that oversimplifies the challenges of investing.

A well written management contract should clearly spell out what is expected of both the PMC and the owner, to PROTECT both and avoid misunderstandings.