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

Learn the lawsDon't use a contract "off the internet", laws vary by state and are also regulated on a federal level Learn the financing techniques correctlyDon’t skip parts of the processDon’t ever do a “kitchen table” closingUse the proper deedAn attorney can help you with the legal work, but the rest you are on your ownYour guru will not bail you out“Investing” in someone else’s deal by providing a small 2nd loan so the “investor” can pay for “cash to the seller” and for “closing costs” so he can do the deal is a very bad planKnow what problems can ariseLearn the responses and solutions to problems before they are needed Know everything there is to know about Title and what that meansKnow who a "protected class" individual isLearn the "back doors"Learn human natureUnderstand timelinesUnderstand regulation enforcement (some of these "mistakes" have a 10 year statue of limitations ( they can charge you 10 years AFTER you do the transaction) and carry hefty fines and possible imprisonmentThe court doesn't accept "I didn't know" for an answer"Know that the source of the lead plays a serious role in some states and federallyKnow how much of a "profit" pushes the boundaries to invite an investigationYou can be sued by the seller if you don’t do things correctlyYou are automatically at fault if an investigator or attorney or regulator gets involved.

Framing your position as fair such as explaining the difficulty of finding renters during off-peak months - might help maintain a positive relationship and reduce risks of property damage.Prepare for What’s NextEven if the tenant moves out early, ensure you’re protected.

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.

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

This could help protect against any future lawsuits. 

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.

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.