By the way, as a preface, more than two lawyers specializing in real estate investing and liability protection that I have consulted have insisted that trusts offer no liability protection whatsoever.

I am not saying don't insist on remedying the fleas if they are still there just be civil about it.

I greatly prefer in person and on paper, but I recently was talking to someone where they were out of state and insisted on a number right away. 

A bank will insist on a first lien and a personal guarantee for the loan.

If your agents insist on an exclusive contract...walk away...they will not be investor friendly

I'm still not thrilled with this, but that seems to reduce the risk, as I will insist on contacting the lender to confirm the deal independently.

This was the first time he has taken depreciation, but still insists on doing his own (Turbo) tax return.We had another investor friend looking to refi to payoff his HM's.

You can enforce this as much or as little as you want, sometimes the City will step in and insist that the yard gets cleaned up.

For those insisting on only new I would also suggest keeping used ones on hand as a quick swap out when appliances fail so that the tenant is not without while waiting for a new replacement. 

She insisted that it was OUR responsibility to clean her carpet!!